LAKE HUNTINGTON –The Sullivan West Bulldogs achieved another impressive victory on Friday night. Heading into this game, both the Bulldogs and the Bears had a record of 4-1, making them the top two teams in Division I 8-Man. The Bulldogs executed their offense efficiently from start to finish, controlling the tempo and forcing the Bears to rely on their ground game. However, the Bulldogs’ front line kept the Bears from getting much traction up the middle, ultimately holding them to just eight points during the game. The rainy, wet weather made the field slick, making it a challenging game for Tri-Valley, as they struggled to maintain their footing at times and control the ball, resulting in several slipping tackles and fumbles.

After a Tri-Valley fumble in the first quarter that was recovered by SW’s Will Saul, the Bulldogs took possession at the Bear’s 33-yard line. Bulldogs’ senior Jesse Milk broke through the Tri-Valley defense and hit paydirt, and the Bulldogs made good on the extra points. Early in the second quarter, another Tri-Valley fumble was recovered by the Bulldogs, and on the next play Jesse Milk struck again for another touchdown, and the Bulldogs took a 14-0 lead. Just before the half, the Bulldogs added to their lead on a handoff from Milk to Paul Nunnari.

The Bulldogs had taken a 26-0 lead after a touchdown from Todd Walter to open the third quarter but were unable to convert on the extra points. The Bears’ defense only allowed the Bulldogs one successful extra point conversion play during the game. 

 As the game went into the final quarter, the Bulldogs still held a decisive 26-point lead. But that quickly changed when Sullivan West’s quarterback Jesse Milk crossed into the end zone again. With less than eight minutes left in the game the Bears were finally able to break through when Andrew Kelly ran for a first down. On the ensuing play, Matthew Ortiz Jimenez ran in a 55-yard touchdown, and with the extra two points, the score was 32-8. 

The final score of the game was 38-8. This big win for the Bulldogs comes right as teams are preparing for championship play at the end of October. Check out our Pigskin Preview in today’s sports section for records and standings