Morgan County made a statement on the road Friday night, using a physical rushing attack and a strong all-around performance to knock off Class 5A Eastside, 24-10.
The Class 3A Bulldogs entered the game knowing the matchup would be a challenge, but they stayed with their game plan and controlled tempo when it mattered most.
Head coach Clint Jenkins described the win as a complete performance, praising his team’s execution on offense, defense and special teams.
“The kids played well in all three phases of the game and did a good job, again this week, with sticking to the plan, which was to be more detail-oriented and to be tougher going into the football game,” Jenkins said. “I’m just really, really proud of our coaches and kids.
“The offensive line did a really good job, our defensive front did well against their running game, and the special teams did well keeping the ball away from some returners that were really dangerous.”
Morgan County’s offense produced 329 total yards, led by senior running back Alex Corrias.
The veteran Bulldog rushed for 160 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Gunner Braswell completed 5 of 6 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown while adding 19 rushing yards.
The Bulldogs entered halftime with a 10-3 lead after a first-quarter field goal and Corrias’ 4-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter.
Jenkins said his players got off to a strong start but needed to make adjustments after the break.
“We had to make some adjustments because Eastside had a couple of things early that we hadn’t seen on offense, but when the fourth quarter came again, we were controlling the offensive line of scrimmage,” Jenkins said. “We were very worried about them scoring quickly, and they did in the third quarter. They also had some success in the passing game, so those are some things we need to work on.”
The Bulldogs sealed the victory in the opening two minutes of the fourth quarter when Braswell connected with senior wide receiver Cole Wesley for a 24-yard touchdown pass on fourth down.
Jenkins credited Braswell and Wesley for executing the play and offensive coordinator Brett Bell for making the call at the right time.
“That play is called ‘shots,’ and that was a play that we’ve had for a long time. We break it out every once in a while,” Jenkins said. “Coach (Brett) Bell called it at the right time; it was a good call, and that was a good throw by Gunner.”
Overall, Jenkins hopes the road victory gives his players confidence for the remainder of the season. He wants the Bulldogs to continue taking advantage of scoring opportunities while playing “good, hard-nosed, fundamental football.”
He also believes the team is beginning to buy into the process.
“I hope for one thing that [the win] gives us confidence because we just went in and beat a Class 5A playoff team on their home turf,” Jenkins said. “I don’t think a lot of people thought we were going to win that one, so I just hope it shows our kids to stick to the plan.”
Morgan County (2-0) returns home this Friday to face Oconee County (0-2) . Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.