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Bulldog running back Taylor Bryant #5 splits two Bulldog blockers on her way to a T.D. in the Dawgs 13-12 loss to Arbor View. Photo by Lou Martin

The Virgin Valley High School Ladies flag football came out on the short end of a rough and tumble 13-12 match to the Aggies from Arbor View High School Wednesday night in the Dawg Pound. The Bulldog defense played an inspiring game, against a bigger and talented Aggie squad. But they were unable to stop the grind out offense of the Aggies giving up a touchdown and subsequent two point conversion with less than two minutes remaining on the clock.

The Dawgs took an early lead on a 16 yard T.D. run by Dylan Bryant. The extra point try was missed and would haunt the Dawgs in the late going. The Aggies tied the game at 6-6 with less than three minutes left in the first half going 32 yards on a quarterback keeper for the score.

The Bulldogs took the lead back 12-6 with 12 minutes gone on the second half clock. Taylor Bryant went the final 17 yards for the T.D. The Aggies trailing 12-6 began their last drive of the game from their own 15 yard line and 3:00 minutes remaining on the clock. Nine running plays later, their quarterback stood in the end zone on a two yard T.D. run. The extra point run from the five yard was good and the Aggies had their first lead of the night. The Dawgs were able to drive to the Aggies 38 yard line but four straight incompletions ended their chances. “This was our most physical game of the year,” said Bulldog Coach Joey Bowler.” Were now tied with the Aggies and to win tomorrow’s game against D.O.(Desert Oasis). Our Team played with class and I’m proud of them.” The Dawgs league record fell to 6-3 and a tie with the Aggies for the last playoff spot. Desert Oasis comes into town with a 7-3 record with hopes of holding onto the third place spot.

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Bulldog running back Marlene Quirarte #11 breaks through the D-Back defense for a nice gain in Thursday’s loss to Desert Oasis. Photo by Lou Martin

Diamondbacks take bite out of Gridiron Gals 28-0

The Virgin Valley High School Lady Bulldog flag football team had no answer to the game plan of Desert Oasis High School Diamondbacks Thursday evening in the Dawg Pound. D-Back coach Ken (Gibby) Gibson’s offense and defensive plan worked to perception as they reversed an earlier loss to the Dawgs winning 28-0. Gibson unleashed a short passing attack led by quarterback Kylee Bauer, who completed 20 of 28 passes, for 203 yards and three touchdowns. Bauer also added a touchdown run for the D-Backs. Meanwhile, the D-Back defense surprised the Dawgs, with two rushers blitzing Bulldog QB Kallie Graves. The ploy worked as the Bulldogs could not mount a sustained drive all evening. It was apparent that Wednesday night’s heart-breaking loss to Arbor View 31-12 took the zap out of a listless Bulldog team. “We were flat,” acknowledged Bulldog coach Joey Bowler. “Their blitz surprised us and we need a short passing game of our own. We need to regroup as we have another tough week coming up.” The loss dropped the Bulldogs league record to 6-4, and fifth place in league.

The Lady Dawgs face three grueling games Monday, Wednesday and Friday against three of the top teams in league. They travel to undefeated Cimarron-Memorial on Monday, host second place Centennial on Wednesday and travel to Arbor View in a crucial rematch with the Aggies. The Dawgs need to go 4-2 in their last 6 games to have any chance to make the playoffs.