Ravenwood's defense got a workout Friday against Smyrna, but couldn't hold the 8-1 Bulldogs. Photo by Dale Cash.

By CARSON FANT
For Brentwood Home Page
The Smyrna Bulldogs only needed half of the first quarter to pull away from the Ravenwood Raptors (3-5) in a 28-0 victory in non-district play.

Two of the Raptors biggest fans, the O and T of the RAPTORS contingent along with a friend, are ready for gametime. Photo by Dale Cash.

Smyrna (8-1) scored 21 points in less than seven minutes to open the game. The Bulldogs’ first points came on the first play from scrimmage when Jeremiah Bryson intercepted Keegan Leyrer’s pass and returned it for a touchdown.

On the ensuing possession, Leyrer was sacked twice by an aggressive Smyrna defense and the Bulldogs forced a three-and-out.

On Smyrna’s second offensive play, Bryson burst up the middle for a 43-yard touchdown run, barely being touched on the play.

Ravenwood was able to pick up one first down on their next drive, but was eventually forced to punt.

The Bulldogs again needed only two plays to score from long range. Quarterback Steve Wilson took the snap and was nearly sacked. He broke outside, however, and found Parrish Gaines behind the defense for a 58-yard touchdown pass with 5:18 left in the first quarter of play.

 “We were rattled there at first,” Ravenwood head coach Tom Shuman said. “We gave them the opportunity to make big plays.”

After that touchdown, though, the game was played fairly evenly, with Ravenwood’s defense tightening up.

The Raptors blocked a field goal and Jacob Grams recovered a fumble to end two of the Bulldogs’ scoring threats in the first half.

“We settled down and played decently on defense,” Shuman said.

The Raptors, though, struggled offensively, gaining only 35 yards in the first half.

Smyrna got the ball to start the second half and marched 80 yards on five plays, scoring when Kece Fleming took the handoff up the middle and around the left end for a 34-yard touchdown run, the fifth play for the Bulldogs that gained at least 18 yards.

Ravenwood’s best chances to score came in the third quarter when they twice got the ball inside Smyrna’s 35-yard line. The Bulldogs, however, intercepted Leyrer both times to retain the shutout.

 “We didn’t get the run game going,” Shuman told his team after the game. “We turned the ball over. We ain’t going to beat anybody like that.”

Sophomores Damien Hatten and Bowen Reau each recovered a fumble for Ravenwood.

Bryson rushed nine times for 149 yards and one touchdown.

The Raptors host Independence next Friday night. The game is Senior Night and the kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.