The BHHS Bruins continued their 2021 season on the road Friday night, and after a penalty ridden loss against the Cascade Christian Challengers last Friday, the Bruins had high hopes going into Fridays contest in Sutherlin only to struggle against themselves once again.
The game in Sutherlin was a much different game than the week prior, and the Bruins will be able to look back a single moments in the game that could have changed the momentum, and perhaps changed the game.
The two teams spent the majority of the game battling in the trenches, and the Bruin defense again played well holding the Bulldog offense out of the endzone until the final quarter of play.
The only first half scoring came deep in Bruin territory with only seconds left in the first quarter after an errant Bruin snap on a punt sailed out of bounds for a Bulldog touch-back, giving Sutherlin a 0-2 lead going into the half.
But the Bruins came out determined after the half-time break and put together a scoring drive culminating in a 10 yard pass to senior wide receiver Jacub McCullom #87 in the endzone, putting the Bruins up 6-2 with just under 10:00 minutes left in the 3rd.
But late in the 3rd, the Bruins would turn the ball over deep in their own territory after an interception. The Bulldog offense would not miss the opportunity, and put the ball in the endzone to take the lead 6-8.
Mental mistakes and penalties midway through the 4th quarter allowed the Bulldogs to maintain an extended drive, not only killing valuable time off the clock, but also putting more points on the board making the score 6-15 with less than 3:00 minutes in the game, a two score deficit the Bruins could not overcome.
“Defense played great… Controlled their high powered running attack.” coach Bavaro said. ” We were in the game, and had some opportunities to score and break it open.., but timing miscues killed the offensive rhythm. The kids continue to play hard.., we just didn’t get it done tonight.” “Now we turn our focus to St. Mary’s.”
The Bruins match up with the 0-2 St. Mary’s Crusaders who are coming off of a 48-0 loss to South Umpqua Lancers to start their season, and a loss to Cascade Christian Friday night.
