Oct. 6 , 2007


Bulldogs Drop First Game in 2007, 14-13, against Olivet

ADRIAN, Mich. -- The theme of the Homecoming contest on Saturday night was defense but in the end it was one offensive drive that led to a 14-13 loss to Olivet. The Bulldogs led for all but the final 1:51 and the Bulldog fans left Performance Stadium with a bad taste in their mouth as Adrian falls to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA.

The game changing drive was in the fourth quarter and started with 7:19 to play and Adrian with a 13-7 lead. Olivet got their initial first down on a pass interference call which moved the ball to the Olivet 31-yard line. The Comets converted a third and 15 for 22 yards down to the Olivet 48 which seemed to give them a spark. The Bulldogs forced Olivet into a fourth and two at the Adrian 44-yard line but another pass interference call meant a first down to the Adrian 39-yard line. Rob White got the ball down to the Adrian 23-yard line and on third and 10 found Chris Smith in the end zone capping off a 12-play, 82-yard drive for the winning score.

Adrian regained possession and took the ensuing kickoff down to the Comet 40-yard line as Joseph Beehler scampered 50 yards with 1:40 left in the game. Adrian was faced with a third and three at the Olivet 33-yard line when Mike McGee was intercepted by Alex Hill at the Olivet 25-yard line with 35 seconds to go. The Comets took three knees to escape with the win and improve to 2-0 in the MIAA and 2-3 overall.

The Bulldogs had struggles in the running game carrying 24 times for minus 1-yard on the night. The passing attack worked for 318 yards as McGee was 26-of-42 for 304 yards and one touchdown. He did however throw two interceptions in the second half which stalled drives. Desmond Upshaw corraled seven passes for 131 yards and one score. Kyle Dunaj led the defensive effort with 13 total tackles including eight solo stops. The Bulldogs travel to Tri-State next Saturday.