By: Jared McMurry
After a close first half, the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (3-3) found separation in the second half on their way to a 27-24 victory over the Charlotte 49ers (3-3). J.J. Hubbard’s 95-yard kickoff return gave the Runnin’ Bulldogs a 7-3 early lead, after they held the 49ers to a field goal on their first possession.
The kickoff return for a score was Hubbard’s third of his career, but none bigger than the one against Charlotte. “It was a momentum booster for the rest of the game,” Hubbard said.
Following Hubbard’s score, Gardner-Webb held Charlotte to a three and out on defense. The next possession resulted in a 21-yard touchdown run by Juanne Blount to give the Runnin’ Bulldogs an early 14-3 lead.
Runnin’ Bulldogs were threatening late in the first quarter and a missed field goal gave the 49ers a chance to get right back in the game. Charlotte did not waste much time, as quarterback Matt Johnson hit Dmarjai Devine from 59 yards out to give his team back some momentum.
Charlotte would go on to take a lead, late in the second quarter, but a Paul Schumacher 35-yard field goal gave the spark the Runnin’ Bulldogs needed, as time expired in the first half.
“I thought that gave a big lift to the whole football team, and it was very important for the game,” Coach McCray said.
The special teams continued to play a large role in the second half. Recovering a fumble on a punt that set up another Schumacher field goal, put the Runnin’ Bulldogs up by two scores. Ultimately the dagger in the ball game came when Lucas Beatty hooked up with Deonte Swinton on a 71-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Charlotte showed life late in the game as Johnson converted another long touchdown pass, but their onside kick was unsuccessful; which gave the Runnin’ Bulldogs the option of running out the remainder of the time left on the clock in the game.
Lucas Beatty finished the game with 362 yards through the air and one touchdown pass. Juanne Blount carried the workload on the ground for the Runnin’ Bulldogs, finishing the game with 49 yards. Kenny Cook led receiving with eight catches and 85 yards, while Deonte Swinton caught seven passes for a career high of 120 yards and a touchdown.
Matt Johnson finished the game with 255 yards passing for the 49ers and two touchdowns. He hooked up with Austin Duke seven times for 129 yards and a score.
Last year the Runnin’ Bulldogs let a lead get away late in the game against Charlotte, and it was a good feeling for many players to get a win today.
“After last year we’ve had a chip on our shoulder, it left a bad taste in our mouth, and it was nice to get some payback,” Hubbard said following the game.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs will be idle next week, but return to action Saturday, October 18 at 1:30 p.m., when they travel to VMI.