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« Grandfield 34, Covington-Douglas 12 | Main | Raiders pull away in second half for 42-14 win »

Bulldogs advance with 35-28 win over Canyon
November 16, 2007 11:31 PM

Zach Duncan
Times Record News

AMARILLO, Texas - Burkburnett waited six years to return to high school football's Promised Land.

The Bulldogs didn't waste nearly that long finding the end zone against Canyon in a Division I Region I-3A bi-district playoff bout.

Jonathan Frank scooted 73 yards on the Bulldogs' first play from scrimmage Friday night at Dick Bivins Stadium, a prelude to a very long evening for the Eagles’ defense.

But even though Lyn Barnes and Frank topped the 100-yard mark, the Bulldogs needed one last defensive stand. Keaton Green batted down Canyon’s last-ditch effort in the end zone with less than a minute left, preserving a heart-pounding 35-28 victory.

Burkburnett (8-3) advances to play Abilene Wylie next weekend at Birdville in the area round, with a date and time to be determined. Canyon ends its season at 9-2.

"Anything can happen in the playoffs," Burkburnett coach Bill Dalke said. "I like this football team, I really do."

When Barnes, who finished with 150 yards and three touchdowns, found the end zone early in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs held a 35-14 lead and looked to be cruising to their first playoff win since 1990.

That's when Canyon quarterback Spencer Church took over. The Bulldogs' secondary wasn't giving up anything deep, but Church (34-of-53, 287 yards) threw many short completions that kept the chains moving.

After Hunter Coffman's touchdown catch with 7:31 remaining, Canyon recovered an onside kick, and Church found Weston Dean on a 4-yard pass that cut the lead to 35-28 with 5:29 left.
Burkburnett was in the process of running out the clock, but Frank (108 yards) fumbled on Canyon’s 33-yard line, giving the Eagles one final shot.

They drove all the way to Burkburnett's 9-yard line and in the process a Canyon receiver dropped the game-tying touchdown. Then Green batted down the final pass, and Burkburnett ran out the clock.

It was Green's third big defensive play of the night. He had intercepted Church near the end zone in the first half, and also broke up another fourth-down pass with Canyon threatening in the second half.

Dalke said before the game that he thought his offense could run the ball on Canyon. He was right.

By using their superior speed, the Bulldogs were able to reach the corners, which led to several big plays. The Bulldogs rushed for 212 of their 328 yards in the first half, building a 28-14 lead.

Staff sports writer Zach Duncan can be reached weekdays after 4 p.m. by calling 720-340 or 1-800-627-1646. Or e-mail him at duncanz(at)timesrecordnews.com.


Comments

GO BURK! :)

Posted by: jerrod | November 17, 2007 12:46 AM

way to go bulldogs!!! Great job

Posted by: teri Evans (Doyle) | November 17, 2007 8:45 AM

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