CYFL Game of the Week: 8U Bulldogs roll in season opener

Published 4:10 pm Saturday, September 9, 2017

CHOCOWINITY — Belhaven 8U got off to as hot a start to the 2017 season as anyone could expect. The Bulldogs scored twice on their first three plays from scrimmage, rolling to a 32-6 win over Chocowinity 8U.

It looked like Belhaven’s offense would struggle a bit in its first game when it was flagged for a false start on the first play. Bralan Wilson made up for the penalty yards with a 25-yard run into Chocowinity territory. Ni’juel Gibbs dashed 35 yards into the end zone on the next play.

The Indians struggled to move the ball on their first offensive series. Brinnon Baker couldn’t find any open space on second down. Wilson and Zy’mir Nixon knifed through Chocowinity’s offensive line, immediately making a stop after the third-down handoff.

Wilson took off for a 43-yard touchdown on the next play. He scooted in for the 2-point conversion to give the Bulldogs a 16-0 lead 1:16 into the second quarter.

Chocowinity’s offense picked up steam on its second drive. On third-and-7, Chance Haywood turned a broken play into what appeared to be a 43-yard dash into the end zone, but the score was called back due to a block in the back.

Brinnon Baker carries the ball for Chocowinity, but is wrapped up by Belhaven’s Ni’juel Gibbs.

The drive sputtered out shortly thereafter, and Wilson ran for another long touchdown — this one for 45 yards. Stellar work by the offensive line in front of him gave him a wide-open gap on the left side of the front.

Belhaven, leading 24-0 going into the third quarter, continued to stymie the Indians’ rushing efforts. Zy’marian O’Neal got in the backfield for a second-down tackle for loss. Tyler Radcliffe and Ezekiel Mann combined for another takedown behind the line of scrimmage, setting up the Bulldogs to takeover on a fourth-and-11 turnover on downs.

Gibbs cashed in on the next possession. He scored from 21 yards out to give Belhaven four touchdowns on four drives.

Haywood took the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown to put Chocowinity on the scoreboard and end the Bulldogs’ shutout bid.