The Dora Bulldogs faced their biggest challenge of the season on Friday night as they defeated Susan Moore in the first round of the playoffs. This was a very hard fought victory for the Dawgs after an emotionally wrenching week.
On Wednesday night, Courtney Ellis, one of Dora High School’s Cheerleaders, was tragically killed in an automobile accident.
The loss weighed heavily on the team. The first quarter they seemed somewhat distracted and not as sharp as they have been all year. The score was 0-0 at the end of the first quarter. It was obvious that Susan Moore had come to play.
The Dawgs did manage to add a touchdown just before the half to move out front 7-0.
I’ve never seen a more hard hitting high school game.
Later in the game, the Dawgs scored what everyone thought was an insurance score, but with about 3 minutes left, Susan Moore’s quarterback connected for a 69 yard touchdown pass. The extra point pulled the Bulldogs from Blount County to within 7. They tried an on sides kick but it failed and after several tries that involved penalties, Dora finally got the ball. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief…. until the Dawgs turned the ball over on their own 39 yard line.
The defense batted down two passes in the end zone and held Susan Moore on forth and long to advance in the playoffs.
There was a sign on the athletic building that said “Keep those cameras rolling, we lost a cheerleader, but we gained an angel.” I think the Bulldogs played with all their hearts and I have to believe that it made our Angel smile.