The Bulldog Football Report
Volume 2, Issue 1
September 22, 2016
In this week’s edition of The Bulldog Football Report, we will:
- Break down the Hobbton game with Coach Stephen Cochran.
- Look ahead to this week’s trip to Fayetteville Christian.
- Take a look at how other Big East Conference teams fared last week and preview this week’s games.
Hobbton Game Review
WCA welcomed Hobbton to Bulldog Field this past Friday as part of our 50th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration. The Bulldogs entered the game at 3-0, coming off a thrilling 30-19 come from behind win at Spring Creek. Coach Robert Hill’s Wildcats were hoping to end a two game slide with their most recent result being a 43-0 home loss to Union.
As you would expect there was an assortment of celebratory festivities ahead of kickoff. Our Bulldog Regiment treated us to a performance, our Cheerleaders were joined by alumni and performed while keeping the memories of Paula Smith (’83) and Madison Pearce (’15) fresh, and members of Chorale present and past performed an exceptional version of the National Anthem, while all in attendance stood and paid respect to our flag and to the troops that protect our freedoms every day.
We capped off Homecoming with the crowning of Homecoming Queen Ana Katruk. Ana’s court included first runner up Savannah Simpson and second runner up Reagan Woodard.
The Bulldogs were out of the gate quick with Nathaniel Williams finding Connor Collins and Paul Gore in the end zone for TD passes of 35 and 20 yards, respectively. Matthew Buffaloe added the PAT to each score and the Bulldogs enjoyed a commanding 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Despite falling behind early, Hobbton showed no signs of intimidation, as Raekwon Bryant scored on a 2 yard TD run with Moses Juanchie adding the PAT to cut the Bulldogs lead to 14-7. Hobbton would have likely cut the WCA lead or tied the score on their next possession if not for a Mishark Jubinor interception that set the Bulldogs up with great field position at the Hobbton 24.
The Hobbton defense responded to the challenge, with the Bulldogs having to settle for a 23 yard FG by Matthew Buffaloe, extending the lead to 17-7 as the first quarter came to an end.
Hobbton came out of the quarter break firing on all cylinders, as Justin Atkins hit Raekwon Bryant with a 58 yard TD pass. Moses Juanchie tacked on the PAT and the game stood at 17-14 in favor of WCA.
The Bulldogs offense responded with a barrage of points to effectively put the game away. Jermaine Callum scored on an 11 yard TD run and after the Matthew Buffaloe PAT, the Bulldogs found themselves up 24-14. The key play on that drive was a 40 yard pass completion from Nathaniel Williams to Connor Collins.
The Bulldogs defense also got in on the action, stuffing a Hobbton fake punt to give the Bulldogs offense favorable field position on the Hobbton 43. That position yielded Paul Gore’s second TD reception of the next on a 43 yard TD pass from Nathaniel Williams. The PAT failed, but the Bulldogs enjoyed a 30-14 advantage over the Wildcats.
The Bulldogs defense stayed stingy throughout the second quarter, forcing Hobbton to turn the ball over on downs on their next possession, but Hobbton’s defense responded with a great series of their own, resulting in a WCA punt.
WCA would find the end zone once more before the half time whistle, courtesy of a Nathaniel Williams 35 yard TD pass to Connor Collins. Matthew Buffaloe notched the PAT and the Bulldogs took a 37-14 lead into the break.
As the first half ended, Hobbton player Bryan Parker collapsed and required lengthy medical attention, prior to being transported to Wake Medical Center by emergency services personnel. The officials made the decision to operate the second half with a running clock and in the end the final score remained that of the half, WCA 37 Hobbton 14.
Quick Notes from the Hobbton Game
WCA produced 424 yards total offense…Nathaniel Williams had a very efficient performance 9 for 15, 241 yards, 4 TDs, 0 Interceptions…Connor Collins led the WCA receivers with 135 yards and two TDs…Paul Gore also had two receiving TDs and picked up his fourth interception on the season…Jermaine Callum led the WCA ground game with 90 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown…Trevin Muse added 37 yards on the ground…WCA averaged over 9 yards per carry…Mishark Jubinor added an interception to the defensive side of the stats sheet.
The Post-Game with Coach Cochran
TBFR: Mid way through the first quarter I realized this would be the last time we would compete against Hobbton’s Raekwon Bryant. As you and I have discussed in the past he is a not only a special talent, but also a special human being. We at TBRF had a chance to meet him after the game and wish him well in the future. I know you will not miss having to lineup against him, but as a football fan I expect you’ll miss watching him play.
CC: I actually told him that…I told him I will not miss playing against him and he got a kick out of it. He is a great kid and a great athlete, as he showed Friday night. One other player we should mention from the Hobbton game is Bryan Parker, the young man who collapsed at the end of the first quarter. We should definitely continue to lift him up in our prayers. It is my understanding he left the hospital and is in stable condition.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs travel to Fayetteville to take on Fayetteville Christian. Coach Greg Bryant’s Warriors are 2-3 on the season and are coming off a 40-12 win against Greensboro Day last week. They will certainly be looking to avenge last season’s 50-0 loss at WCA.
TBFR: What are some things we did against Hobbton that we should continue to do?
CC: We were very physical and have been so far this season. I would like to see that continue – the overall physical nature of how we are competing.
TBFR: Where are some areas we can improve against Fayetteville Christian?
CC: We have to do a better job of maintaining our focus. That has been a challenge over the past two games. You could say we are coming in as the favorite, but that is irrelevant without being crisp in our execution from start to finish. Given the success we had last season, teams are gunning for us and we must respond accordingly.
TBFR: Tell us what to expect from Fayetteville Christian on offense?
CC: They are a very talented team and you can see they are headed in the right direction. They are performing at a much higher level over the past two years. Coach Bryant is doing a great job down there. Their option offense starts with QB #1 Tim Mack. #16 Malik Graddy and #7 Desmond Jones are effective offensive weapons. Also their #40 is a fullback who runs downhill and could create problems for our linebackers.
TBFR: And on defense?
CC: They have shown they like to blitz and they mix those blitzes up. Their defensive line has size and it will be important for us to execute. Also their secondary is disciplined and more athletic than they have been in recent years.
If you’re going…
Fayetteville Christian School is located at 1422 Ireland Drive, Fayetteville NC 28304. Kickoff is at 7:00.
Big East Conference Scores – September 16, 2016
WCA 37 Hobbton 21
Trinity 36 Ravenscroft 27
Harrells 52 Southlake 27
NRCA – Bye
Big East Conference Games – September 23, 2016
WCA at Fayetteville Christian
Charlotte Country Day at Ravenscroft
North East Carolina Prep at NRCA
Pine Lake Prep at Harrells