Bulldogs sitting third in district after beating Axtell
The Marlin Bulldogs won Friday’s home district game against the Axtell Longhorns with a score of 62-24.
The game began as Axtell kicked off to Marlin in the blistering cold. Marlin’s own Tydae Peel took charge, scoring a 30 yard rushing touchdown within the first two minutes of the game. He quickly followed with a two point conversion, bringing the score to 8-0 with 10 minutes to go in the first quarter.
The next kickoff from Marlin took Axtell to their 45-yard line, where the Longhorns put up a fight before fumbling. Marlin’s Ty Harris scored a 50-yard touchdown, taking the score to 14-0, just before Tra Butler completed another two-point conversion.
By the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs held 32 points to Axtell’s empty scoreboard. Within the one quarter, there were two fumbles recovered, four successful conversions, and a total of 180 yards rushed by three different players.
The Longhorns took the second quarter with a touchdown and a failed conversion, putting their first points of the night on the board.
The Bulldogs were forced to turn over possession after getting inside Axtell’s 20, where they watched Longhorn Cory Sherrill make a 60-yard touchdown. Axtell failed to execute a point conversion, taking the score to 32-12.
By halftime, the Bulldogs led Axtell 38-18. The last two minutes were instrumental in keeping the Longhorns on their level. Wide Receiver Tra Butler took off with a 56 yard touchdown and shortly thereafter saved the day with an interception of an Axtell pass with less than a minute to go.
Marlin kicked off to Axtell to commence the third quarter. Axtell ended up in Marlin’s 20 with five minutes left, but Ja’Marien Womack, running back, recovered a Longhorn fumble, leaving the Bulldogs with the ball at their own 13-yard line.
With two minutes left, Marlin made it inside Axtell’s 20. Harris, running back, scored another touchdown with one minute to go and Womack followed with a successful conversion.
With under a minute left, Axtell punted to Marlin who successfully made it inside their 20 before the buzzer rang, though no points were earned.
The last quarter of the game began with a score of 46-18. Butler and Womack worked together to gain another 8 points before the first 60 seconds were up.
Marlin kicked off to Axtell yet again, who’s fumble was recovered by Defensive End Issac Kelly.
Marlin punted to Axtell, leaving Axtell at Marlin’s 10-yard line and leaving the line open for another touchdown for the visiting team.
After a failed conversion, the score sat at 54-24 with five minutes left in the game. Marlin made it into Axtell’s 20 with three minutes to go. Alejandro Vera took home the last touchdown of the night, a one-yard rush, followed by another successful two-point conversion.
The Bulldogs now possess a 4-3 record. They plan to put it on the line next when they host Italy for a 2A-1 Region II District 8 battle on Friday, Nov. 6. Marlin will face a Gladiators squad coming off a 28-14 league win over Dawson (Dawson, TX). The Gladiators record now stands at 7-1.
The game will take place at the Marlin High School Football Field on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at Marlin Middle School until 3 p.m. that day.