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Bulldogs end regular season with a bang, 21-0 shutout over the Luverne Tigers
When the final whistle blew Thursday night Brantley's Dexter Daniels had sweat rolling down the side of his face, dirt was ground into his white jersey, and traces of blood could be seen on his fore arm. But, there was one indication that showed the outcome of the game more than anything else; a smile so broad and wide that you knew his Brantley Bulldogs had just defeated the Luverne Tigers. They had indeed. A 21-0 shutout over a good and very talented football team from Luverne; and with the win, the Bulldogs pushed their current win streak to 6 over their biggest rival and they saw their 2007 regular season record improve to an impressive 9-1. Daniels, credited with 22 tackles and assists, was absolutely incredible as he made tackle after tackle from side line to side line. He played with a reckless abandoned that dealt the Tigers fit all night long. He was not the only "Dawg" that scrapped and fought for every inch of ground and gave up small amounts of real estate to the Tigers like it was a precious commodity of immense value. Terrell Burnett, Chase Hall, Westley Spivey, Roy-L Knighten, Stephen Walker, Chris Walker, Justin Wright, Tory Upshaw, Teven Daniels, and Anthony Gulley played defense above any expectations for the Bulldogs. Knighten, Teven Daniels, and Upshaw each had a pass interception with Upshaw taking his 27 yards for a touchdown. This was the first time Luverne had been shutout this season, and the Bulldogs have blanked the Tigers the last two years by a 57-0 margin. The first half was scoreless for both teams as they exchanged punches like two heavy weight boxers. Neither team was able to deliver a knock out punch but several staggering blows were given by each team. In the second half of play, Brantley got a big break when Roy-L Knighten picked off a Luverne pass and ran it down to the 20 yard line. Two plays later quarterback Chase Hall faked to a running back, rolled left and found Dexter Daniels opened for a 16 yard touch down pass with 1:41 to go in the third period. Britt Barnes converted his first of three extra points for a 7-0 score. In the fourth quarter the knockout punch was finally delivered by Brantley when Luverne was moving the ball. Teven Daniels, Brantley's defensive back, intercepted a Tiger pass and returned it 21 yards to the Tigers 23 yard line. After seven plays, Justin Wright rammed it over from the one yard line on a 4th and goal to give Brantley their second touchdown with 7:49 left in the game. Barnes kicked the point after for a 14-0 score. Then with 3:20 left in the game, sophomore Tory Upshaw read the eyes of Luverne's quarterback, stepped in front of the Tiger pass, and promptly took it 27 yards to seal the victory for the Bulldogs. Barnes made it 21-0 with his kick. To say it was a big win is an understatement. These young men know each other, many are related, and even more are friends. Year in and year out there are not many programs as strong as Brantley and Luverne. It is nice to win, especially when you beat someone who strives to excel on every down. Congratulations Bulldogs, good luck to the Tigers! Brantley entertains Sunshine in the first round of the 2007 playoffs next week in Brantley while Luverne travels to Leroy.
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