Bulldogs fall to Gleason as roster, enthusiasm grows

by Benita Fuzzell
Fulton’s Bulldogs overcame a major hurdle Friday night at Gleason, as FHS was able to field a full team, with 14 players in uniform for the game. (Photo submitted) Fulton’s Bulldogs overcame a major hurdle Friday night at Gleason, as FHS was able to field a full team, with 14 players in uniform for the game. (Photo submitted)

When Fulton High School’s team bus arrived at Gleason Friday night for the second contest on their 2018 schedule, they were able to record one win before even taking the field.

Because unlike the previous Friday night at Greenfield, when the Bulldogs kicked off their football season and managed to participate in a nine-on-nine match with the Yellowjackets because of a roster below the required 11, on Aug. 25, there were 14 players sporting the “Big Blue” FHS colors.

Head Coach Harold Hutcherson said after the first forfeit at Greenfield, and following the publicity generated through a football preview and team photo in The Current, his roster grew by a few players, as some finally met eligibility requirements and others decided to get on board for the first time.

So while the final numbers on the scoreboard reflected a win for Gleason’s Bulldogs, 50-14, the Fulton Bulldogs were able to field a full team, with a couple of subs to spare.

Florida transfer Hunter Hayes was the play caller Friday night, stepping in as Quarterback for FHS, and connected with Kire Tribble on a 10 yard toss, followed by Tribble’s 25 yard dash into the end zone. The two point conversion was cut short, after Hayes was brought down on a quarterback keeper.

At the half, Gleason was up 30-6, but in the third quarter, FHS Bulldog Jordan Lannom jolted 70 yards off a screen pass to score the second TD, with Camarae Cobb making the carry for the extra two.

On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Hutcherson noted Hayes and Lannom lead the way in tackles with each recording over a dozen.

“Our entire offensive and defensive line did an outstanding job,” Hutcherson said.

The Head Coach was also glad to head back home with no injuries, with the exception of Tribble, who he said became “slightly overheated” but was good to go after he cooled off.

“We competed well, and while we did have 14, that still means there are lots of players who play the entire game. We were tired, but we did not give up. We stayed with Gleason that entire first quarter, just one touchdown difference between us,” Hutcherson said.

The Bulldogs travel to Hickman Friday night, to face Fulton County’s Pilots and then finally will be able to feel “at home” on the field when Webster County pays a visit the “Dawg Pound” Sept. 7.