Staff Writer: Madelyn Cherry and Claire Patrick
The Wingate Bulldogs redeemed themselves this week after their first loss of the season last Saturday. Quarterback Shaw Crocker threw four touchdown passes leading to the 48-21 victory over UVA Wise at Carl Smith Stadium in Wise, Va.
At the start of the game, Kyron Thomas took the opening kickoff back 46 yards. McLean Robertson scored the first three points by capping the opening drive with a 39-yarder. Towards the end of the first quarter, Crocker hit wide receiver R.J. Mobley to score a touchdown bringing the Bulldogs to a 10-6 lead.
At the end of the first half with only five seconds left, two 17-yard completions to running back Nijere Peoples got Wingate to the end zone. The ‘Dogs went into halftime with a 31-13 lead.
“We started off slow, but we picked up our intensity as the game went on. When both sides of the ball are clicking together we are a force,” said Jesiah Carlton, defensive end.
The Bulldogs showed they are a force in the second half. Wingate went 80 yards in 11 plays. Crocker threw to Mobley for 25 yards to start the drive. Crocker passed to wide receiver Ra’Quan Simmons for a 22-yard touchdown to progress the lead further to a 38-13 lead. Both teams scored in the last quarter as well as Robertson connecting on a 44-yarder to make the final score 48-21.
The ‘Dogs have a 6-1 record so far this season and are preparing for their next game against their greatest rival, Lenoir-Rhyne. “Heading into this we are using our three years of losing to Lenoir-Rhyne as motivation. They have a high power offense that we plan to stop to secure the win. It will be a good matchup,” said Carlton.
The Bulldogs will play at home at 6 p.m. at the Irwin Belk Stadium this Saturday against Lenoir-Rhyne.
Wingate Triangle 