Sulphur bounced back in a big way on Friday, as the Dogs steamrolled Davis, winning 42-7 for the 8th victory in nine years in the series.
The dominating performance came after a surprising and disappointing 15-14 loss a year ago.
“Our kids were definitely more motivated because of what happened last year and how it happened,” Sulphur head coach Corey Cole said. “We talked about it all week long and our kids were for sure motivated. They were very prepared and played hard all night long.”
The Bulldogs held Davis to just 92 rushing yards and 174 total yards, as Sulphur dominated on both sides of the ball.
“If you take away the long play they scored on and some yardage in the 4th quarter, it’s probably the cleanest game we have played against Davis in a long time,” said Cole.
Sulphur had 432 total yards, including an impressive show from senior quarterback Luke Linville and junior receiver Briar Davenport.
Linville was 17-of-22 for 283 yards and four scores, three of which went to Davenport.
The junior speedster had six catches for 143 yards and also had another rushing touchdown in the win.
“Our offense was in an unbelievable rhythm,” said Cole. “Coach (Channing) Hickman was dialed in and our kids were executing at a very high level. We were able to get some of the RPOs going and that softened the defense up and then we got the run game going.”
The Dogs got started early, as Linville hit Cash Matlack on a seam route out of the backfield for a 35-yard score, capping off a 6-play, 65-yard drive to make it 7-0 with 10:28 to go in the opening quarter.
After forcing a quick punt on a 3-and-out, the Dogs extended the lead with a long drive.
Sulphur went 61 yards in 11 plays, cashing in on a 10-yard pitch and catch from Linville to Davenport.
It was 14-0 with 5:46 to go in the 1st quarter.
The Dogs got the ball back after forcing another Davis punt, when more of the same took place.
Sulphur moved the ball down the field quickly, using just a few plays to get inside the Davis’ 30.
On 4th and 9, Linville lofted a pass up into the back of the end zone, where Davenport came down with it and got his foot down for his second TD of the night.
The 28-yard play made it 21-0 with 2:10 to go in the 1st.
The Wolves responded, however, as quarterback Dax Owens found receiver Braxton Griffin down the Sulphur sideline for a long touchdown.
The 60-yard touchdown made it 21-7 with 8:09 to go in the half.
The Wolves got it back quickly, as Sulphur’s Maddax Mobly had the ball knocked loose, allowing Davis to recover on its side of the 50.
But the Sulphur defense gave nothing, forcing a 3-and-out to avoid points off the turnover.
The Dogs went on a long drive, using 12 plays to march inside the Davis team, before Davenport fumbled and the Wolves recovered right before half to head to the locker room with the score still 21-7. Sulphur got a stop on defense right out of half before extending the lead quickly.
Linville hit Carter Cole for a 45 yard pass play before Davenport scored his third TD of the night on a 1-yard run, making it 28-7 in the early 3rd.
After another Davis punt, it was more Linville and more Davenport. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Linville hit the junior receiver on a deep post, as Davenport shook off a defender and coasted into the end zone.
The 57-yard score made it 35-7.
“I thought we had a really good game and good game plan,” Cole said. “I’m really happy for our kids. We did everything we set out to do. We were playing super fast on offense and defense and showing our brand of football.”
Later on in the 3rd, the Sulphur defense got in on the scoring action, as Bridge Barrett picked up a fumble and ran it in from 35 yards out, the final touchdown of the evening.
“Our defense played outstanding,” Cole said. “We took the run game away and gave up some yardage in the 4th and the long play but otherwise we were dominant and very physical, flying around to the football.”
Sulphur was much improved on 3rd down last week, going 6-of-8. Austin Garrett had five carries for 43 yards on offense and seven tackles on defense.
Kaden Seitz had eight stops for Sulphur, while Morris, Mobly and Justus Gilliam each had six.
Mobly had four carries for 21 yards on offense and four catches for 37 yards receiving.
Cole had three grabs for 52 yards in the win.
Sulphur held Davis to just 4-of-13 on 3rd down and forced five punts. The Dogs will host Cache on Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Coach Cole handed out these awards for the Davis win: Co-Offensive Player of the Week - Luke Linville. “He made great decisions all night and threw the ball well all night long. He was very poised.” - Briar Davenport, “He had several big catches for us and made some huge plays.”
Defensive Player of the Week - Justus Gilliam. “He completely dominated whatever side he was on. They quit running in that direction. He set the tone up front for us.”
Special Teams Player of the Week - Jett Runyan. “He was outstanding in kick coverage and really all special teams. He had some big hits and has been great for us.”
Big Hit of the Week - Austin Garrett.
Big Dog of the Week - Caden Cole. “He graded out at 84%, had five pancakes and five tackles on defense.”
Scout Team - Acer Dixon. “He’s done a great job for us. He understands his role and is making us and himself better.”
Teacher of the Week - David George, Summer Priest.
