CALEDONIA — The Greenwood Bulldogs clinched a hard-fought victory over the Caledonia Cavaliers on Friday night, relying on big plays and relentless defense to secure the win. The Bulldogs capitalized on opportunities, putting pressure on Caledonia throughout a game marked by tough, physical play.
Greenwood took possession first, starting at their own 16-yard line. After a determined seven-play drive, a defensive pass interference call kept the Bulldogs’ momentum alive, setting up a 44-yard touchdown that put Greenwood up 6-0 with 7:26 left in the first quarter. The two-point attempt failed, but Caledonia answered with a solid return to their own 35-yard line and advanced to Greenwood’s 3-yard line before the first quarter ended with a crucial fourth down.
Opening the second quarter, the Bulldogs’ defense stood tall, holding Caledonia to a turnover on downs at the 3-yard line. Greenwood followed with a 42-yard run that put them near midfield, and, soon after, the Bulldogs’ quarterback Raphael Summerville delivered a perfectly thrown 48-yard touchdown pass. This time, the two-point conversion succeeded, extending Greenwood’s lead to 14-0 with 11:14 left in the half.
Caledonia’s ensuing drive stalled at their own 20-yard line, resulting in a punt that positioned Greenwood at their 40. However, a mishandled snap and a quick recovery by Caledonia halted the Bulldogs’ progress, leading to a punt. Caledonia’s quarterback Charlie Sullivan kept the Cavaliers alive with an 11-yard gain on a crucial third down, setting up running back Cole Gardner to punch in a 3-yard touchdown. A successful PAT narrowed the score to 14-7 with just over three minutes left in the half.
Greenwood responded swiftly with a flea-flicker touchdown from midfield, pushing the score to 22-7 after a successful two-point conversion. Caledonia attempted to mount a quick response, advancing to Bulldog territory, but a fumble on the snap handed possession back to Greenwood, allowing them to run down the clock to end the half.
Cavs head coach Michael Kelly said his team didn’t do a good job of correcting the mistakes they’ve made all season.
“We can’t give up big plays,” Kelly said. “That’s where we have struggled all year.”
Caledonia opened the second half with a 37-yard kickoff return to the 15-yard line. Running back Cole Garner led the Cavaliers downfield, setting up his own 1-yard touchdown rush, cutting the Bulldogs’ lead to 22-14. But Greenwood’s offense continued its march, highlighted by a 23-yard run that set up another 43-yard rushing touchdown. The Cavaliers found themselves down 28-14 as the third quarter came to a close.
In the fourth quarter, Caledonia found the end zone again with a QB keep from Sullivan, reducing the deficit to 28-21. However, Greenwood capitalized on Caledonia’s missteps, regaining possession at Caledonia’s 45-yard line. A critical turnover on downs by Caledonia at their own 44 allowed Greenwood to control the game’s closing minutes. After the teams traded punts, Greenwood’s special teams delivered the final blow, returning Caledonia’s punt for a touchdown with 3:12 left, sealing the game at 34-21.
With just one game left in the season, Caledonia will look to use this loss to better themselves
as they head into a short week.
“At critical times, we had a chance to get back in the game,” Kelly said. “We just can’t give up big plays, but we will find some good and keep making progress. We’ve got one (game) left and have to get it in the win column.”
Caledonia will look to close out the season as they face district foe Houston next Thursday.
Greenwood 34, Caledonia 21
Greenwood (6-3) 6 16 6 6 — 34
Caledonia (2-6) 0 7 7 7 — 21
First quarter
GHS — 44-yard pass (2pt conversion failed), 7:26
Second quarter
GHS — 48-yard pass (2pt conversion good), 11:14
CHS — Garner 3-yard run (PAT good), 3:29
GHS — Flea-flicker 45-yard pass (2pt conversion good), 2:10
Third quarter
CHS — Garner 1-yard run (PAT good), 7:27
GHS — 43-yard run (2pt conversion failed), 3:59
Fourth quarter
CHS — Sullivan QB keep, 5-yard run (PAT good), 11:46
GHS — Punt return 44 yards (2pt conversion failed), 3:12
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