Bulldogs fall to Tolar in Quarterfinals

The Marlin Bulldogs season came to an end at the hands of the Tolar Rattlers on Thursday night in Midlothian in the Quarterfinals.

The Bulldogs took on the Rattlers and were defeated, losing 42-19 to bring their fantastic season to a close. 

The first quarter was a defensive quarter as the teams went into the second quarter tied at 0. Tolar scored first in the second quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. 

The Bulldog defense had to return to the field shortly after a fumble that was recovered by Tolar. Marlin held strong and forced the Rattlers into a fourth and 9. Tolar went for the fourth down conversion and fell short. The Bulldogs went back out on offense and faced a fourth and 1. Marlin went for the fourth down conversion and was successful. However, they wouldn’t go much further and was forced to punt. Marlin pinned them at the 2-yard line on a great punt by Roderick Suiters (9). 

The Bulldog defense responded and forced a punt, then halted Tolar by stopping their fake punt attempt. Marlin took advantage of the great field position with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mario Hopwood (8) to make the score 7-6 score after a missed extra point attempt. The Bulldogs gave up a huge kick return by Tolar, then the Rattlers scored on a backbreaking 19-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the half to go into halftime leading over Marlin 14-6. 

Tolar overpowered the Bulldogs in the second half, outscoring Marlin 28-13 to win the game 42-19 and bring Marlin’s season to an end. Roderick Suiters had a good game, throwing for 63 yards and a touchdown along with an interception. Iaire Kee was a factor in the game, rushing for 61 yards, and Mario Hopwood played well, rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown. 

Congratulations to the Marlin Bulldogs on a spectacular season. Their fantastic season included making it four rounds into the playoffs and going undefeated in district play. This allowed Marlin to win their first district championship since 2005.