11-10-06 By: Dustin Graham
Special From The Greenwood Democrat

GREENWOOD- It was a cold windy night Friday at Smith Robinson Stadium as the Bulldogs took the field to defend their 5A West State Championship against the Monticello Billies in the opening round of the playoffs. Greenwood dominated Monticello needing only 13 minutes of possession time to score35 point to the Billies 13.

Monticello would win the coin toss and take the kickoff. The Billies would keep possession of the ball for over six minuteson 11 plays and would give the ball up on downs trying to convert on a 4th and seven but the Greenwood defense would stop them for a loss on the Bulldogs 46-yard line. Wilson and company would waste no time racing down field. Kyle Walter would catch a 14-yard pass to strike the first blow in the first quarter and the freshman kicker Hartness would make the field goal to go ahead 7-0.

The Billies would answer back early on in the second quarter to tie up the game. Travis Sandifer took the kickoff followingthe Billies TD and made a great run all the way out to the 41-yard linebefore dropping the ball, Sandifer was able to jump back on top of it to retain possession for Greenwood. The Bulldogs would march deep into Monticello territory and turn the ball over on downs on the 12-yard line.The Billies would struggle up field and finally make their first pass of the game with 1:19 left in the second quarter, that pass would be followed by the Billies first punt after going for it on three previous 4th downs. With 40 seconds left on the clock Wilson would hit Kyle Walter for a 40-yard TD to end the half 14-7.

Greenwood started off the second half punting on their first drive, but a turnover by Monticello would give the Bulldogs new life on the Billie 49-yard line. Tyler Wilson would pass to Nathan Staton who would run 48 yards to the end zone. Later on in the third quarter the Billies would work themselves into a 4th and 13. Monticello lined up for a fake punt and passed the ball, the incomplete pass would give the ball back to Greenwood on Monticello’s 41. It would take the Bulldogs just two plays to reach the end zone again to put the dogs up 28-7. Greenwood would score one more time after recovering a fumble at midfield to go up 35-7. The Billies would make one more touchdown in the final minutes of the fourth quarter but would be unable to score on their two-point conversion.

"That was a hard fought battle," said Head CoachRick Jones. "We had three possessions in the first half and we scored on two of those and it was a battle. We did not have many opportunities and when you get into a game like that have to be able to take advantage. We did not snap the ball very often and that is just part of thegame. I was glad we were able to hold on."

The Bulldogs will move on to the quarterfinals next week against Batesville. Friday night’s game will be held in Greenwood, gates open at 5:30.