Harrisburg football team came off of a top-8 finish in the state last year, and they are hoping to make it even further this year. Starting off the season they had a huge win over Anna-Jonesboro 47-0. Quarterback Owen Rann threw for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns. Along with this, receiver Aiden Unthank caught 9 passes for 129 yards, as well as two touchdowns. The bulldogs rushing attack was also on with 4 touchdowns on the ground. The defense also had a complete shutout. Senior defensive tackle Gavin Wayman said, ¨I feel we are pretty strong up front. Very physical. Kane Lands and Colten Prather always play big.¨
However, the Bulldog defense struggled in week two vs. DuQuoin, allowing 28 points in the loss. The offense struggles as well putting up 14 points, with both touchdowns being on the ground. There were a few crucial turnovers, one interception and one fumble, which was recovered by DuQuoin. There was also a blocked punt that gave the Indians very good field position.
In week three, the Bulldogs traveled to Pinkneyville and played in what could nearly be considered an actual monsoon. The first half was highly affected by the rain, however the rain calmed in the second half and Harrisburg came out of the half playing much better. The rushing game came up huge in the rain with Reed Rider and Brendan Hicks each running for 153 yards and a touchdown. The dogs won 37-15 advancing to 2-1. Coach Matt Griffith said, ¨As a whole for the first three games we had slow starts, which hurt us against DuQuoin, and allowed Pinkneyville to stay in the game for the entire first half.¨ This was evident with the Panthers only trailing by 10 points heading into half. The Bulldogs turned up the intensity in the second half, and won big. It also helped that the rain slowed later in the game.
Heading into week four the team had to travel nearly three hours to Alton Marquette. The Bulldogs went on to have their most dominant performance of the season winning 54-0. Playing after a very long bus ride is never fun nor easy, but the team made it seem as though it was. Many underclassmen who don’t often get playing opportunities got chances, while the starters got a much needed rest. All in all it was a very good game overall for Harrisburg.
Harrisburg heads into week five at 3-1 hoping to win the rest of their games. The schedule does get tougher, but the Bulldogs still have high hopes, and rightfully so. For homecoming week the patriots of Massac County travel to Harrisburg. The Bulldogs home to show out in the first home game of the year. There is definitely a bright season ahead.
