RECAP: Bulldogs Fall in Sloppy Thriller Against Rival Mustangs

Some say the most important lessons are learned because of failure. Hopefully that's the case for the 2011 Bulldogs squad, which succumbed to a powerful rushing attack by the rival Mifflin Mustangs. Wilson's valiant comeback effort fell just short but they shouldn't have been in as big a whole to start with.

After Wilson back-up RB Jimmy Brooks, who started over star RB Rodney Gillin (undisclosed team suspension), put the Bulldogs up 7-0 early in the 2nd quarter the Mustangs rattled of 28 unanswered points to lead 28-7 midway through the 3rd quarter. Something popped for Wilson a few moments later & next thing the Shillington crowd knew, it was a tie game & we were headed into overtime.

That didn't last long.

Wilson stalled on their first - and only - OT possession. After a short run on 1st & 10, QB Seth Klein was sacked & on the following play he fumbled. Mifflin didn't take long to score on their only OT play. Mifflin FB Jake Snyder - who rushed 16 times for 123 yards & 3 TDs on the night - sent the Mustangs home with a win thanks to a 10-yard TD run up the gut. Final score? 34-28, Mifflin in OT.

The Bulldogs were sloppy. Actually, both teams were. The teams combined for 4 INTs, 10 fumbles (5 lost) & 10 penalties for 66 yards. This certainly looked like the season opener for both squads. I'm sure nerves played a small part, too.

Wilson played a part in 2 of the INTs, 7 of the fumbles (2 lost) & had 7 of the penalties for 45 yards. Too many mistakes to overcome versus a solid football team in Mifflin.

Gillin's status for next week is unknown, just like the reason for the suspension.

Wilson Head Coach Doug Dahms had this to say:

"Rodney didn't win or lose the game for us," he said. "We lost it.

"That's inexperience. They're a good football team. They took advantage of it. They beat us."

There is no time to rest for the shell-shocked Bulldogs; they travel to Manheim, PA next Friday for a date with the emotionally-charged Manheim Central Barons, who are playing in memory of 4 teammates that passed away a earlier this year. The Wilson players are honoring those lost Barons with a maroon "MC" sticker on their helmets.

Hopefully Game 2 sees a more consistent Wilson effort.

SOME NOTEWORTHY WILSON STATS

TEAM 

OFFENSE

First Downs: 17

Rushing Attempts / Yards / TDs: 38 / 155 / 3

Passing Attempts / Yards / TDs: 24 / 96 / 0

Total Yards: 251

Penalties / Yards: 7 / 45

DEFENSE

First Downs Allowed: 17

Rushing Attempts / Yards / TDs Allowed: 37 / 199 / 4

Passing Attempts / Yards / TDs Allowed: 17 / 129 / 1

Total Yards Allowed: 328

INDIVIDUAL

OFFENSE

Passing: Klein - 13 of 23, 96 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs

Rushing: Young - 16 carries, 85 yards, 1 TDs, 0 fumbles

Receiving: Morgan - 7 catches, 67 yards, 0 TDs

DEFENSE

Tackles: TBD

Interceptions: Rivera & Waters - 1

Mustangs prevail in a classic [READING EAGLE]

Statistics [BERKS GAMEDAY]