Varsity Bulldog football traveled to Alton to fight for their first game of the season Aug. 26

¨The team started off great, with a fabulous lead of 21-6 by half time,¨ senior co-captain Gabe Swarringin said.

The Bulldogs could not keep their lead, and the Alton Oilers came back in the second half, tying the game 21-21.

Senior Ross Rider, one of the other team captains, agreed that the team played well, but said that “the team made minor mistakes and got overly confident after they realized how far ahead they were, which in the end, cost them the game.”

The game ended 28-29 in overtime with Alton taking the win.

Even though they lost, Swarringin still has hopes for the team this season.

“We have to lock in all week and stop messing around during practice,” Swarringin said. 

Junior Alexa Walker is a member of this year’s Bulldog cheer squad.

¨The football team played their hearts out,” Walker said. “I hope the team doesn’t let the first loss affect the rest of the season.¨

Bailey Abraham (2022) was also in the stands at Alton.

“I think  they are really good, especially considering all the underclassmen that had to move up and play on varsity,” Abraham said.

Abraham was watching the Bulldog cheerleaders and was also really impressed by their improvements from the beginning of the year.

“The cheer squad is doing amazing,” Abraham said. “They have  really improved their stunts and motions from the beginning of this year. I can’t wait to see them at our first home game.¨

The Bulldogs will take on the Indians at DuQuoin this Friday, Sept. 2.