Green Bulldogs Decimate the Ellet Orangemen (Off The Leash | 8/20/22)
The Green Bulldogs have blown out the Ellet Orangemen 2 years in a row.
On Friday, August 19, the Bulldogs of Green High School faced off against the Ellet Orangemen under home lights. Green destroyed the competition 55-8.
The question on fans’ minds before the game? In light of the loss of last year’s senior talent that led the bulldogs to the DII state semi-finals, will Coach Mark Geis’s program belong among Ohio’s elite? The answer was clear. Green made a statement last night—and a much needed one—scoring 34 unanswered points in the first quarter and blowing out the Orangemen by 50 at the end of regulation. The Bulldogs proved that they could sustain their winning style from last year’s playoff run. In fact, they may be even better.
Here are the main takeaways from last night’s game:
Robby Klockner was a step in the right direction.
Lots of people coming to watch tonight’s game previously didn’t know who Robby Klockner (#19) was, but he introduced himself to Green in spectacular fashion. Completing 12 of 16 passes, throwing for 252 yards, and contributing to 5 TDs, Klockner’s potential as the QB1 was clear from the first drive as he connected with receiver Antonio Martin (#3) for a TD on the first play of the game. He went on to connect for 4 more TDs to 3 receivers Zach Baglia (#13), Anthony Manderine (#14), and Jarrett Taylor (#2). However, one area to work on is his passing IQ. Although he put up a 75% completion rate, he often passed up the open receiver to throw deep stride to a receiver 40 yards down the field. Regardless of this, he is the future of this year’s varsity football team.
If all goes wrong, feed the ball to Martin.
WR Antonio Martin (#3) was a star this game, doing it all. He caught the ball, ran the ball, and played solid defense. Antonio had 4 catches for 61 yards, scoring 1 TD in last night’s game. Along with that, he had 3 tackles with only 1 for a loss of yardage. When Green looked to convert 3rd downs, Klockner often fed Martin the ball to advance beyond the 1st down marker. It’s clear he’s got the best receiving hands on the team and will frequently be the primary option when Baglia isn’t open on the field.
Defense looks, shaky?
Green’s defense today recorded 0 sacks meaning it was up to our Cornerbacks and Safeties to make sure the Orangemen weren’t able to record any major plays. Now, of course Ellet’s QB situation isn’t that great, but that can’t dismiss the fact that Green gave barely any pressure. Against QBs that have great field vision, the ball will be thrown 2 seconds after the snap. Will the Bulldogs’ D-line be able to apply pressure in that sort of time frame? That remains to be seen, but if the D-line can step it up, I think Green will have one of the best—if not THE best—defenses in the Federal League.
Other notable notes
WR Zach Baglia (#13) had 4 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD. I think he’s going to be crucial to Green’s success this year.
Same thing goes for WR Anthony Manderine (#14), with both of his catches being TDs. Though only getting 28 receiving yards, it looks like he’s the main guy for short routes.
CB/P Samino Mason (#11) had the only INT this game, while also being Green’s primary punter.
DT Michael Schall had 4 tackles last night with 3 of them being for a loss of yards.