Edgewood Dealt Second Straight Defeat, 17-14

MILDRED — On the first night that has actually felt like fall football weather, the Edgewood Bulldogs traveled to Mildred and come out cold against the Eagles in a 17-14 loss.

This result is sure to jumble the playoff race as Mildred is now in control of its own playoff destiny and Edgewood will need some help to get to the playoffs this season. But, with the upset bug all around, Edgewood could still make the playoffs.

The Bulldogs came up short despite out-rushing and out-passing Mildred. Edgewood finished with 160 rushing yards, Mildred had 78. Edgewood had 144 passing yards, Mildred had 99.

However, the game started as if Edgewood would blow the doors off Mildred. The first drive of the game, Edgewood took the ball at its own 28-yard line and drove seven plays and 72 yards with Levi Weaver taking the ball for his longest TD carry of the year of 36 yards,

Mario Bustillos would add the PAT and the Bulldogs had the early lead 7-0 with 9:50 in the first.

Each side would move the ball some but end up with punts or give the ball over on downs until the Bulldogs got the ball with 6:01 showing in the second quarter.

They took the ball at their own 48 and Ethan Rutter would go 4-for-4 hitting Darrius Rogers twice for 31 yards and Davy Foster twice for 20 yards before Joseph Reed would get the 1-yard TD carry with 4:24 showing in the second.

Bustillos would add the PAT and the lead was 14-0. Mildred would again move the ball but they would be forced to punt where Edgewood would take over at its own 18.

Mildred helped the Bulldogs out with a penalty and gave them a first down. However, the Eagles scored on a pass interception returned to the end zone from 48 yards out.

Trevor Owen for Mildred would add the PAT and with 25 seconds to go in the half Edgewood led, 14-7.

The second half began with Mildred getting the ball at its own 39 and driving nine plays and 37 yards to the Edgewood 24.

Using up almost six minutes of the clock before attempting a 41-yard field goal. Owen’s attempt had more than enough length but it missed just a bit to the left.

Owen would get another attempt latter in the game. However, Edgewood got the ball and moved 22 yards before being stopped, and a short punt gave the ball over to Mildred at the 50-yard line.

Mildred went on an eight-play, 32-yard drive to the Edgewood 18. Owen would again come on for the field goal attempt, this time from the 25.

This time his leg would prove good and the lead was cut to 14-10 with 11:08 to go in the fourth quarter.

Mildred held the ball for 8:56 in the third quarter and the first 52 seconds of the fourth and that helped to keep the Bulldog offense cold. Edgewood sputtered to a three-and-out with a punt of 37 yards down to the Mildred 40-yard line.

Mildred got a first down on its own and then the Bulldogs appeared to stop them. But, on fourth-and-long, the ball appeared to be tipped at the line and sailed well over the head of the intended receiver.

Rogers intercepted the ball and returned it for a 72-yard TD. However, the officials determined that a Bulldog player had interfered on the play and the TD was called back,

Mildred was given the first down and the Bulldogs were on their heals a bit when Nic Shimonek dropped back and threw a 35-yard pitch and catch TD that would be the game winner. Owen added the PAT and Mildred had the lead that would hold as the final score.

Edgewood, now 1-2 in district play, will need Mildred to lose two games and are now forced to win out to get into the playoffs.

Even in the loss, there were some bright spots on the night with Weaver getting the long TD run and getting a total of seven carries for 66 yards.

Rogers had a good night both catching and running the ball, gaining 74 total yards from scrimmage on the night. Davy Foster added five catches for 49 yards as well.

Again, the Edgewood defense looks very good with Tre’ Wright leading the way this night with 3.5 sacks and 14 tackles, Ruston Lewellen had seven tackles, with Medelle, Brown, Weaver and Tuma all getting several tackles for losses on the night.

Edgewood will try to get back on track against Rice next weekend for homecoming. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.