Bulldogs open with big win

WYTHEVILLE – It went down to the last play but Tazewell started the new season off with a 21-19 win over the George Wythe Maroons.
The Bulldogs led from start to finish but were hanging on at the end as George Wythe had two fourth quarter field goal tries that would have put them on top. The Maroons had a 51 yard field goal try fall short on the last play of the game after a pass interference call kept their hopes alive.
The bulk of the offense in the game came in the first half as Tazewell took a 21-12 lead into the break. The Bulldogs scored on their second possession with Matt Muncy doing the honors from two yards out.
A pair of long passes from Cody Lockhart to Brandon Pauley and Muncy set up the score. Colton Cook booted what would prove to be an important extra point.
Jacob Sharitz countered with a score for the Maroons but the kick was wide right, keeping Tazewell in front 7-6. Wythe took a very brief lead at 12-7 when Drew Lester picked up a Bulldog fumble and rambled 51 yards to paydirt.
Before the Maroon fans were hardly through clapping, Muncy put the Bulldogs back in front with a 96 yard kickoff return. Cook’s kick made it 14-12 and it appeared that would be the halftime margin.
Tazewell got the ball near field with just seconds left on the first half clock. T.J. Rasnick picked up three yards to move the ball into Wythe territory.
Lockhart then unleashed a 49 yard strike to Brandon Pauley to put the ‘Dogs on top 21-12. The second half turned into a defensive struggle with George Wythe getting the only touchdown.
That came in the fourth quarter as Aaron Wheeler raced to the end zone from seven yards away. The Maroons had a field goal attempt blocked late in the fourth quarter that would have given them the lead.
Tazewell’s offense failed to move the ball, giving George Wythe another chance to get the win. The Maroons moved down the field and a long pass on what would have been the last play of the game fell incomplete.
However, a pass interference call gave George Wythe a chance to win the game with no time left on the clock. Bulldog players, coaches and fans breathed a sigh of relief when the kick fell short.
The Bulldogs got an awesome game from Andrew Rhudy and solid performances from John Corner, Eugene Hilton and Bruiser Moore. Brandon Pauley and Dustin Dean ran the ball hard.
The Bulldogs had just 51 yards rushing but picked up 171 through the air. Both teams were hurt by penalties with Tazewell being flagged eight times for 61 yards.
Tazewell opens the home portion of its schedule this week with a game against Gate City.