Bulldogs makes comeback
The Bulldogs opened the 2010 season without three year veteran quarterback Trevor Hass, tight end Brandon Ferge and running back Sam Van Alstine who all graduated this spring.
Despite the loss of three big play makers, the Bulldogs showed enough strength in several key positions to get the job done in a 32-14 victory over Oconto Falls.
Early in the game, first year junior quarterback Jake Mroczynski completed a 12 yard pass to senior tight end Tyler Listle giving New London the early lead 6-0. The two-point conversion failed.
Oconto Falls then returned the favor by sending Matt Samsa into the end zone on a 12 yard run. The Panthers were able to complete the two- point conversion and take the lead 8-6.
New London however answered back in the second quarter when senior running back CJ Anderson ran for 37 yards and six points, giving the Bulldogs a 12-8 lead.
With the clock winding down in the half, Oconto Falls made a run downfield and with 43 seconds left, scored a touchdown on a five yard pass from quarterback Logan Rowell to Cody Nielsen. The Panthers gained a 14-12 going into halftime.
In the third quarter the Bulldogs came out reenergized and took advantage of receiving the ball. New London regained the lead 20-14 on a Mroczynski five yard pass to Listle and the two-point conversion from Mroczynski to Senior Nate Pluff.
The Bulldog defense consisting of seniors Reed Martin (DE), Hunter Jagla (DL), Ethan Stiengraber (LB), Tyler Listle (S) and Matt Hermsen (CB) juniors Gabe Roberts (DE), Peyton Hofherr(LB), and Nick Wunderlich (S), Austin Huntley (CB) sophomores Austin Postel (DL) & Hunter Muthig (LB) were able to hold the Panthers in check with some stellar stops, tackles and a quarterback sack on a fourth down conversion.
The Bulldogs lit up the stadium again when CJ Anderson ran 62 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead 26-14.
Anderson would strike the end zone again, this time from 14 yards out in the fourth quarter to extend the Bulldog lead to 32-14.
A solid offensive line consisting of Gabe Roberts, David Straw, Matt Wilfuer, Nate Pluff, Tyler Listle, Jordan Fields and Zeniff Flores provided great blocking. T
The New London defense played a great game and powerful second half to shut the door on Oconto Falls.
C.J. Anderson finished the game with 243 rushing yards on 35 carries and 3 touchdowns. Jake Mroczynski completed three passes for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Listle caught two passes for 17 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Coach Pete Mroczynski said "I am very happy how the game progressed for us. We started a little slow but I think we needed to get some plays under our belts.
"We are young and need to gain some experience," he said. "Our experience will grow each week and with each play. We are looking for constant improvement. This was a good start for us and a great team effort."
The Bulldogs (1-0) will host Marinette (0-1) this Friday. Kickoff time is 7a.m. The Bulldog Gridiron Club will also be hosting a tailgate party before the game in the New London High School Parking Lot.
New London Bulldog stats 8/27
Total Offensive yards 330
Total Rushing yards 302
Total Passing Yards 28
1st Downs 16
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