ALBION, Mich. – The Bulldogs clashed with the Britons on a cold Saturday afternoon off the banks of the Kalamazoo River.
The Adrian offense moved the ball with ease on the opening drive, establishing the run early. The 10-play, 85-yard drive concluded with Sebastian Boswell finding wideout Braiden Whitaker for a 17-yard touchdown reception.
After taking a 7-0 lead, the Bulldog defense prevented the Brits from moving the ball past midfield. An Albion pass was tipped up into the air long enough for Trey Brueggeman to come down with it for the first interception of his career.
The Bulldogs capitalized on the Britons' turnover on the ensuing drive. It was Whitaker that Boswell found once again in the back of the end zone to extend the Adrian lead to 14-0.
Albion moved the ball on their second drive, working their way into Adrian territory. The Brits went for it on fourth down with three yards to go for the first down. The Bulldog defense came up with another stop. However, three plays later, it was the punt team on the field for Adrian.
Michael Brown got to the Albion quarterback to kill the Britons' drive. Albion punted, starting the Adrian drive at the Bulldogs' 29-yard line. Adrian put together their longest drive of the game, milking eight minutes off the clock. The Bulldogs marched deep into Albion territory, looking at a first-and-goal with three yards to go. The Britons' defense held strong, but it was Brueggemann who crossed the goal line on fourth down.
Despite a Bulldog penalty giving Albion new life on offense, the Brits were unable to convert on fourth down. Adrian's offense took over from their own 30-yard line with under two minutes left in the half. The Bulldogs were forced to punt, but a high snap into the end zone resulted in a safety. At the end of the first half, Adrian led 21-2.
The Britons' offensive drive stalled out in Adrian territory, forcing Albion to punt the ball away. Adrian's offense couldn't get the ball moving on their next drive, as they were forced to punt.
A missed field goal by Albion's kicker gave the Bulldogs the ball back. The Bulldogs trusted in their run game, rushing on six of their next 10 plays. For the third time today, it was Whitaker that Boswell found for the score, making it 28-2.
Adrian's defense forced another failed fourth down attempt from the Britons, and Adrian took the ball over at the opposing 28-yard line. One play later, the Bulldogs extended their lead with a Ronnie Ferguson touchdown reception.
Ethan Burrows ended Albion's chance to answer on an interception in Adrian's territory. The Bulldogs couldn't muster much and had to punt, while Albion failed to convert on fourth down.
The last score change came on a 79-yard touchdown pass from Jake Wright to Whitaker. Whitaker recorded three touchdown catches today while registering 193 receiving yards. Bulldogs secured their second MIAA win with a 42-2 final score.
Up Next
Adrian will conclude the regular season at home next Saturday against the Kalamazoo Hornets.
