Sept 29, 2012
Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Carlton Bulldogs playing a limited nine man schedule this season traveled to Fergus Falls on Friday night and lost to a very strong Comet squad as the Bulldogs fell 51-32. The Comets, who traditionally have one of the strongest programs in the state in nine-man football found themselves in a scrappy match-up with the under experienced Bulldogs.

The Comets proved strong in the first half shutting out Carlton when they score 30 points to take a huge 30-0 lead into halftime. The Bulldogs were not deflated though as they came out in the second half and it was Dominic Bennett scoring on a 13 yard touchdown run helping Carlton cut the lead to 30-6. Following a Comet score, the Bulldogs again answered right back this time Erik Adams scored the first of his 3 touchdowns on the game with a 29 yard touchdown run.

The third quarter ended with the Comets leading 37-13, and the Bulldogs didn’t fold as they scored three more times in the fourth quarter. Adams had runs of 22 yards and added a 5 yard touchdown run as the Bulldogs fought their way to a huge moral victory Friday night. Mike Moralez added the Bulldogs other touchdown Friday night as he scored on a 5 yard touchdown run.

Bennett led the Bulldogs with 160 yards rushing on 21 carries; he also caught 5 passes for 55 yards in the Carlton loss. Bennett also had a big game on defense, finishing with 6 tackles to go along with an interception and a fumble recovery. Erik Adams finished with 116 yards rushing and was 6-16 passing for 69 yards; he also added 7 tackles on defense had an interception and a fumble recovery.

The Bulldogs move to 1-1 overall in nine man regular season play. They will be in action again Monday in junior varsity action as the Bulldogs will face the Panthers of Onamia at Carlton. The Bulldogs next nine-man varsity game will be against West Lutheran-Southwest Christian on October 12th. The Comets improve to 3-2 and will host Underwood on Friday night at home.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com