RECAP: Gillin, 'dogs Defense Take Down McCaskey

The Bulldogs victory over the Red Tornado on Friday, September 23rd, 2011, in Lancaster, was a muddy mess. PHOTO: Lee Vivian [EasternPAfootball.com]

"Defense wins championships" is an old football phrase but it could certainly be true for the 2011 Bulldogs. After getting slashed in the opener by the Mustangs, the Wilson defense has stepped up big time. In their 34-13 victory over J. P. McCaskey Friday evening in the pouring rain, the Bulldogs defense gave up just 3 first downs & 99 total yards - and much of that came against 2nd & 3rd string players after the game was well in-hand. The game was each teams first Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 game. The Wilson win was their 3rd straight while McCaskey lost for the fourth time in a row.

Of course it wasn't just the Wilson defense that was dominant Friday night on the muddy Lancaster field. The offensive line opened up some large holes for star RB Rodney Gillin, who rushed 27 times for 177 yards & 3 TDs. Gillin also caught a 7-yard TD pass from QB Seth Klein, who was asked to throw the ball just 9 times (5 completions) due to the conditions.

Mud-covered RB Rodney Gillin rushes vs J. P. McCaskey on Friday, September 23rd, 2011, in Lancaster, PA. PHOTO: Lee Vivian [EasternPAfootball.com]

Wilson led 21-0 at halftime and 34-0 midway through the 3rd quarter before the starters & upperclassmen gave way to the J.V. squad.

That's 10 straight strong quarters of football from the Bulldogs, who struggled in the first game-and-a-half at Governor Mifflin & Manheim Central. Up next? Another L-L Section 1 match with the Cedar Crest Falcons.

SOME NOTEWORTHY WILSON STATS

TEAM 

OFFENSE

First Downs: 20

Rushing Attempts / Yards / TDs: 57 / 284 / 4

Passing Attempts / Yards / TDs: 9 / 24 / 1

Total Yards: 238

Penalties / Yards: 3 / 25

DEFENSE

First Downs Allowed: 3

Rushing Attempts / Yards / TDs Allowed: 23 / 27 / 0

Passing Attempts / Yards / TDs Allowed: 14 / 72 / 1

Total Yards Allowed: 99

INDIVIDUAL

OFFENSE

Passing: Klein - 5 of 9, 24 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs

Rushing: Gillin - 27 carries, 177 yards, 3 TDs, 0 fumbles

Receiving: Gillin - 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD

DEFENSE

Tackles: Joseph, Shields, & Rothrock - 3

Interceptions: Rivera - 1

Photos from the Game by Lee Vivian [EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM]
Gillin powers Wilson to win over McCaskey [READING EAGLE]
Statistics [BERKS GAMEDAY]