Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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September 3, 2010

Bulldogs, Blue Devils seek season’s first win

By LARRY HYPES Bluefield Daily Telegraph

TAZEWELL, Va. — In week one, both Tazewell and Gate City had a taste of the same bitter brew.

The Blue Devils dropped a 31-0 decision at home to Richlands while the visiting Bulldogs were stopped 28-0 at George Wythe.

Bill Housewright’s Gate City squad will visit the Dog House tonight for another non-district matchup.  

In 2009, Joseph Vaughn scored four times in Gate City’s 52-27 win at Legion Field. Vaughn returns as the senior tailback and offensive workhorse for the Blue Devils.

Tazewell’s junior halfback Mikal Moore ripped off a 37-yard gain to open the season in Wytheville and led the Bulldogs with 71 total rushing yards, but the homestanding Maroons consistently found ways to halt Bulldog drives.

Last week, Gate City held the powerful Blue Tornado to a first-half field goal.

Then the Blues’ Strong (Reece and Bradley) combination ignited the Richlands offense in the second half as the Tornado gradually pulled away.

George Wythe gained good yardage, including 80 on a touchdown pass from Alex Willis to Hardy Lester, who outran the defense over the final 50 yards to outpace the youthful Bulldogs, which had 16 players starting at a  position for the first time.

Cody McCann completed five passes in his first game at quarterback. Jalen Jordan had five receptions for Tazewell.

The Bulldogs’ defense stiffened as the game progressed and allowed only one score in the second half. Several Tazewell defenders had solid efforts including Moore, Shaquille McDonald, Brad Lester, Carter Rasnick, and Kyle Sheets, among others.

“At one point, we had nine new faces on defense,” said Tazewell coordinator Chuck Burton. “I think if we keep working and getting better, we’ll be fine.”

 Tazewell head coach Terry Smith will bring the Dogs onto Witten Field for the first time in his inaugural season.

Smith coached on the Lebanon staff in ’09 after a stint at Virginia High. A Virginia Tech graduate, Smith played prep football at Abingdon High School.

Smith says, “We were close to where we needed to be on several plays. A little here and a little there makes the difference.

“Gate City is a very good team and we are making some adjustments to prepare for them. I look forward to a good game.”

Vaughn totaled 54 yards to pace the Blue Devils in the opener. Nick Bowen completed three passes and was intercepted once.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium/Witten Field.

 

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