The Belgreen Bulldogs kicked off a new rivalry against the Tharptown Wildcats, winning 30-14, during the Wildcats’ Homecoming game. It was the first meeting between the teams and Belgreen improved their record to 2-1 in their first varsity season.

“It feels good,” said Belgreen coach Jonathan Raper. “Our kids played hard, they played four quarters, and it was a dadgum hard-fought game. Our kids were excited because it was our first time to play with them. I’m proud of our kids, our community and our school. It was huge.”

Raper was pleased with how his offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, leading to an impressive rushing attack.

“It started with us blocking really well up front and us hitting the holes and making the right cuts,” said Raper. “It was just an all-out effort and us doing what we were supposed to. Like I was telling my coaches, it started with controlling the line of scrimmage and running the football.”

Belgreen got on the board first, following a fumble off a fake punt, scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Landon Cox, giving the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead with 8:56 in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs scored again on a 25-yard touchdown run by Skyler Vickery, extending their lead to 14-0 with 4:35 remaining in the second quarter.

The Wildcats scored their first touchdown on a five-yard touchdown run by Austin Chaney, cutting the Bulldogs lead to 14-6 with 1:29 remaining in the first half.

Belgreen drove the length of the field to score before halftime on a five-yard touchdown run by Landon Cox and two-point conversion pass from Cox to Eli Mitchell to give the Bulldogs a 22-6 lead. The score was set up by a 60-yard pass completion from the Cox to Mitchell duo.

Coming out of halftime, both the Wildcats and Bulldogs had a quiet third quarter.

After a scoreless third quarter, Belgreen opened the fourth quarter with a score on a 20-yard touchdown run by Skyler Vickery, extending their lead to 30-6 with 5:12 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Tharptown added one final score on a two-yard touchdown run by Christian Willoughby. Alija Long added the two-point conversion making the score 30-14 with 3:01 left in the game. For Tharptown, Luis Dircio led the defense with 14 tackles and Joby Wilcoxson had an interception.

Angie Chavez was crowned Tharptown’s Homecoming Queen.

Both Belgreen and Tharptown will be off this week.