The Melissa Cardinals extended the winning streak to nine straight games with a first round playoff victory over North Dallas Bulldogs. The Cardinals used all three phases of the game to move on to the next wrong.
Melissa rushed for 367 yards behind a stout offensive line that open up holes for explosive suns. Running Back James Gaston was the games leading rusher with 184 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Ashton Mitchell-Johnson rushed for 110 yards and 2 scores of his own.
Senior Quarterback Sam Fennegan threw for 149 yards and 3 scores to lead and explosive Cardinals passing game. Junior Wideout Jayvon Smith was Fennegan's favorite target, as they connected for 2 scores to put the game away. Sophomore Tight End Gunnar Wilson caught a 47-yard touchdown from QB1 Fennegan also.
The Cardinals defense was the story of the first half as they had 2 Pick 6s in the first quarter to set the tone for the night. Junior Defensive Back Jacob Fields started the party with a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown. On the very next possession junior Outside Linebacker Caleb Otlewski tipped the Bulldog pass and junior Linebacker Dalton Witter takes it into the end zone for a score to make it 21-0 before the offense got a second possession. Super Sophomore Defensive End Nigel Smith was in the Bulldog backfield all night causing havoc.
There were some bright spots for North Dallas who ends their season with a lot to build on. Sophomore Running Back Jadian Richards rushed for 165 yards and a scores, while Sophomore Quarteback Jacob Chavez had 76 total yard and 2 touchdowns. Chavez, rushed for a touchdown and threw a touchdown to Senior Wideout Quincy Goldsmith. GoldSmith made some exciting plays last night for the bulldogs.
On defense the Bulldogs were led by junior Defensive Lineman Joseph Oluwayeui, who was a force all night for the Bulldogs. Oluwayeui, had a sack, forced fumble, that was returned for a touchdown.
The brightest moment of the night is when Melissa Kicker Anna Blankenship made a 22-yard field goal. Blankenship not only made her first field goal of the year, she signed a national letter of intent this week to play soccer at Southeastern Louisiana University also. "Being apart of the team is amazing and to come out here with my brothers to win, going to the next round is just crazy."
Melissa moves on to the next round where they will face Midlothian Heritage next Saturday.
Photo gallery link: https://www.brandidsports.com/post/photo-gallery-north-dallas-tx-vs-melissa-tx
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