ROCHESTER — The Bulldogs drove their way through the Geneva panthers in the cold and rain Sunday afternoon right on to the class B sectional finals. The game was tied until the last few seconds when Dustin Ayers kicked a magnificent field goal that put the crowd on the edge of their seats to tweak the score to 20-23, leaving the Bulldogs victorious.
“We don’t like it easy, we like it hard” paradoxically comments head coach Giralmo from the sideline after a turnover on downs in the third quarter. Despite the dampering effects of hurricane Sandy, both teams fought tooth and nail throughout the entirety of the game.
The Panther’s passing game allowed them to come out strong in the beginning of the first half, scoring their first two touchdowns within the first five minuntes. The Bulldog’s Defensive line responded to the second touchdown by blocking Geneva’s attempt at the extra point and later restricting them to passing only.
Josh Wester and Derrek Bishop led the Bulldogs in yards carried while their offensive line pushed the Panthers defense all over the field.
The prelims boiled down to the very last seconds as each team wouldn’t give an inch deffensively. With nine seconds remaining and the score tied, Dustin Ayers kicked a 37 yard field goal as the ending horn rang to pull the Bulldogs ahead by three and win the game.
“My team trusted me to make it, and I trusted them,” said Ayers when asked how he was able to maintain focus during the moment of intense pressure. “I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for them blocking,” adds Ayers.
The Bulldogs now advance to the Class B sectional finals to play the victor of Newark v. East Rochester on Saturday, November 3 at 3pm.