CRESTLINE — It did not take long for the Crestline Bulldogs to show their determination to climb over .500.
After Friday night’s 56-0 victory against Ridgedale (0-5), Crestline has a winning record (3-2).
“We’ve been down quite a few years,” Bulldogs coach Kevin Sipes said. “Our kids don’t know how to act winning like this. I think we are finally seeing what victory is all about and how to act when we win.”
The Bulldogs dominated dominated throughout, scoring early and often to take charge from the first quarter.
Quarterback J.R. Wolfe fired the first salvo, darting 73 yards for a score. That set an example, which was quickly followed by running back J.C. Clark, who bolted 37 yards for a touchdown.
“It was a good game, I couldn’t have done it without my linemen,” Clark said. “I was sick, stayed in the game until the third quarter and ran for 209 yards.
“I felt like I could have done better, but 209 yards is pretty good for a high school running back.”
Two more rushing scores provided by Caleb Moore and Clark in the second quarter combined with a 12-yard pass TD pass to receiver Bailey Wollard led to a running clock after intermission.
“We played well,” Sipes said. “We ran the ball well obviously, seeing no need to go to the pass, we grinded them out.”
During halftime, Sipes said he stressed his team to keep their focus because he knew the Rockets were hungry for their first win of the season.
“This is the kind of game you have to be a little worried about,” the coach said. “They’re coming in 0-4 and they are hungry. The last time they were here, they sucker-punched us in the mouth. We should have won that game.”
But this time Ridgedale’s offense was left bruised.
The Bulldogs scarfed up three turnovers, and never allowed the Rockets to gain good field position.
Almost parallel to the opening quarter, Wolfe ran the ball 47 yards, weaving between Rocket defenders, breaking tackles and reversing field before being forced out of play at the 20.Three runs followed leading Clark to his third TD of the game.
Junior back Dakota Wireman scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
“Crestline is headed for great things,” Wolfe said with a smile.
The Bulldogs will take on Monroeville (5-0) next Friday at Hutson Stadium.
