Bulldogs Dominate in 42-7 Win Over Winnetonka

Following a powerful offensive display last week in Excelsior Springs, the Bulldogs hoped to follow it up with a strong return upon returning home to face the Winnetonka Griffins.

Cameron Emmons would Score 2 touchdowns in the 42-7 victory over the Griffins - Photo courtesy of chrystan ferrell photography

It did not take long for the Bulldog’s explosive offense to get started. It began with 9:42 left in the first quarter when quarterback Casey Rooney connected with Manny Linthacum on a 45-yard touchdown pass.

With 6:13 left in the first quarter, Rooney connected with Cameron Emmons for a 9-yard touchdown pass and the Bulldogs were quickly ahead 14-0.

The Bulldogs would continue the offensive display scoring 28 points in the second quarter. What made this most impressive was that the scoring opportunities were spread throughout the Bulldog offense and special teams.

Cameron Emmons would score with 11:57 left in the half on a 6-yard run out of the “Cam package”. This would be followed at the 9:25 mark by a Rooney lateral to Linthacum, who then connected on a 36-yard pass to Cohen Jacobs. Then, with 6:53 left in the half, Rooney connected with Bryce Page for a 43-yard touchdown pass and the Bulldog lead had been expanded to 35-0.

On special teams, Tre Smith was given an opportunity to shine and he did not disappoint. Last week against the Tigers, Smith returned a punt for a touchdown, only to have it called back on a penalty. This week, Smith returned a punt for 52 yards. This time there were no penalties and the touchdown would count.

At halftime, the Bulldogs held a commanding 42-0 lead. Just as impressive as the explosive offense was the lights out defense. For the fourth game this season, the Bulldogs defense held their opponent scoreless in the first half.

The defense held the Griffins powerful senior running back Xavier Locke to just 7 yards on 5 carries. Locke would not return to the game after the first quarter, however, junior running back Bryson Stanley would not fare much better. He was held to 53 yards on 15 carries averaging 3.5 yards per carry. The entire offense would produce only 127 total yards the entire evening.  

The second half of the game would see the Bulldogs utilizing mostly second-string players, however Winnetonka stuck with mainly the first string unit. The only scoring in the second half was by Winnetonka on a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dean DeJesus to Alexander Thompson.

The Bulldogs would move to 3-2 on the season with the 42-7 victory and the Griffins fell to 1-4.

Next week is homecoming for the Bulldogs who will face off against the 1-4 Ruskin Eagles who come in after a 43-13 loss against Raytown South. 

Game time is 7:00pm and live play by play coverage will begin with the pre-game show at 6:40pm on 102.7 FM-KPGZ, or you can listen on the KPGZ radio app or at 1027kearneymo.com.

KPGZ Sports - Jim Dickerson contributed to this story