Bulldogs Slay Dragons in Home Opener

By Jared McMurry

In a game shortened by lightning, the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs defeated the Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons 34-0 in their home opener.

Early offensive struggles for Gardner-Webb (1-2) didn’t hurt the Bulldogs, as their defense came up with many big stops.

Virginia Lynchburg (0-3) didn’t gain a first down until midway through the second quarter, and failed to run a play in Bulldog territory the entire game.

Juanne Blount (23) landing on the line of the end zone while being tackled.  Photo by: Hannah Covington
Juanne Blount (23) landing on the line of the end zone while being tackled.
Photo by: Hannah Covington

After an early field goal, quarterback Lucas Beatty helped Gardner-Webb get in the end zone when he connected with running back J.J. Hubbard on a 24-yard pass.

Throughout much of the game, especially in the first half, Coach McCray stuck with a two quarterback system, using both senior Beatty and freshmen Tyrell Maxwell.

“They both pose different deals for the defense, and we are going to continue to use both quarterbacks,” he said.

Coach McCray noted that Beatty continued to make some mistakes, but also made strides to improve.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs had a 17-0 lead to start the second half, and quickly got things rolling on both sides of the ball.

Cornerback Ivan Toomer intercepted a pass from Virginia-Lynchburg quarterback Brent Smith and ran it in for an early score in the third quarter.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs forced two more Dragon interceptions in the quarter and got scoring plays from running back Kerry Bernard and another passing score from Beatty as he hooked up with tight end Jordan Jones.

Linebacker Chad Geter was all over the field on the defensive side of the ball, accounting for seven total tackles and a sack.

Gardner-Webb rejoices from a touchdown. Photo by: Hannah Covington
Gardner-Webb rejoices from a touchdown.
Photo by: Hannah Covington

Maxwell led the Bulldogs in the ground game as he gained 52 yards on nine carries. Bernard added 40 yards on just three carries.

Beatty led the air attack with 138 throwing yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Hubbard twice for 27 yards and wide receiver Levon Lane-Atkins two times for 29 yards.

Lightning struck nearby after the first play of the fourth quarter, which suspended the game. More lightning in the area, followed by a heavy downpour prompted the officials to call the game; which counts as a completed contest according to NCAA rules.

Overall coach McCray was satisfied with his team’s performance in their home opener and saw improvement all over the field.

“I told them when it was over, that we were playing like we were capable of playing by the end of the game,” he said.