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
