Date Posted:05:41:43 09/23/02 Mon Author: Keno Sultan Subject: Bulldogs fall in a 31-28 heartbreaker to Grove City
Saturday night at Fawcett Stadium, the Canton McKinley Bulldogs played possibly their best game of the season and were poised to win two straight in a row. However, Grove City quarterback Josh Worthington threw an eight yard touchdown to wide receiver Derrick Alexander with 39 seconds to go and held off a McKinley rally as Bulldog quarterback Adam Studeny threw a hail mary pass that fell out the hands of a Bulldogs receiver and on to the turf as the Greyhounds ran away with a 31-28 heartstopper over McKinley as their players and coaches celebrated the triumph by jumping on the Bulldog on the 50 yard line. Running back Ryan Brinson scored four touchdowns on runs of 73, 66, 41, and 57 yards to pace the Bulldogs. Studeny was 5 of 17 with an interception. Here is my evaluations of the Bulldogs from Offense, Defense, Special Teams, Coaching, and Player Involvement.
1. Offense. McKinley's offense churned out 324 yards overall, 297 from Brinson, a McKinley High School record. The running game has truly taken to a strong pathos. Score: 10/10.
2. Defense. McKinley got into a shootout and paid the price, but give the run defense credit for stalling Grove City's backs to under 100 yards. The passing category, 218 yards, not good. Score: 5/10.
3. Special Teams. The Bulldogs fared well in this category and no screw ups here. Tyrone Gillespie has become a better returner than what mose fans thought. Score: 10/10.
4. Coaching: "Spider" Miller had possibly the best coached game of this season although the Bulldogs lost, he had Greyhounds Head Coach Brian Cross on the run. Miller could possibly be an offensive genius, just give him time, for once, I was ardenty pleased with what I saw. The down note was the score. Score: 9/10.
5. Player Involvement. Everyone was into the game, and everyone made playes and put the Bulldogs into position to win Saturday. Score: 10/10.
TOTAL: 44/50. ALMOST A STATE CHAMPION. The Bulldogs need to take this loss and use it for confidence the last five games of the season and hopefully it will mount to a winning season, but in the event of a losing season, at least I want them to beat the 2001 Regional Champions, the dominating Massillon Tigers, who showed their vaunted touch with a 24-14 win over Austintown-Fitch. GO BULLDOGS, CANTON MCKINLEY NEVER GIVES UP!!!!
P.S. My Mid-season notes, the "State Of The Bulldogs" address will be featured later on. GO BULLDOGS! BEAT THEODORE ROOSEVELT (WASH. D.C.)!!!!!!!!!
Bulldogs fall in a 31-28 heartbreaker to Grove City