The Deweyville Pirates lead the game most of the way Friday night. Two fourth quarter touchdowns by the Colmesneil Bulldogs earned them a come-from-behind 30-22 victory in Deweyville.
It was a tough loss for the Pirates (1-1) as their starting quarterback and punter River Berry was injured early in the third quarter and was on the bench the remainder of the game. Colmesneil (2-0) remains undefeated through two games.
The Pirates looked impressive on their opening drive of the first quarter after a nice kickoff return by River Berry to the Bulldog 37. Seven running plays earned three first downs and a touchdown as River Berry scored on a quarterback keeper from the 11 with 3:40 played in the first quarter. River passed to his brother Nathan for the two-point conversion to give Deweyville an 8-0 lead.
Colmesneil took advantage of a recovered fumble at the Pirate 31 to even the score. Bulldog quarterback Reed Best got the touchdown from the one. William Mitchell ran for the two points to tie the game with 3:34 left in the first period.
Deweyville retook the lead after River Berry returned a punt 23 yards setting up the Pirates at the Bulldogs’ 32. River Berry completed a big first down pass to his brother Nathan to move the ball to the 21.
Aaron Hyatt scampered for 11 yards and a penalty on the play by the Bulldogs gave the Pirates a first-and-goal at the four. River Berry scored his second touchdown on the next play and Hyatt added the two-point conversion to put Deweyville on top 16-8 with 8:35 before the half.
On the next offensive series for Colmesneil, Best missed a wide open Bulldog receiver for what would have been a sure touchdown. The possession after that for Colmesneil Best hooked up with Mason Teel who was also wide open for a 50-yard touchdown. The run conversion failed and the Pirates clung to a two-point lead 16-14 with 5:18 to play in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs moved into Deweyville territory as the half was winding down. River Berry ended the threat with an interception on the final play of the half.
Nathan Berry intercepted Best pass to give the Pirates possession of the ball at their own 48 just over a minute into the second half. Two penalties thwarted Deweyville forcing a punt by Nathan Berry who replaced his brother River who had been handling the kicking chores previously.
Two sacks by the Deweyville defense, the second by Ryan Bland, causing a punt by Colmesneil deep in its territory which resulted in great field position for the Pirates. Taking over at the Bulldog 32 Deweyville needed six plays to increase its advantage.
Bland had three solid carries totaling 14 yards, and Hayden Collins carried once for 8 yards. Nathan Berry scored the touchdown on a brilliant run breaking at least three tackles to find the end zone from 11 yards out. The run for two came up short, but Deweyville led 22-14 with 11:51 to play in the game.
The Bulldogs answered quickly scoring on their next possession with Jermi Shamblin scoring on a 13-yard run. Best converted the two-point conversion to tie the game with 9:04 left in the fourth quarter.
Best completed only his second successful pass of the game dropping a perfect aerial into the hands of a well-covered Treston Horton at the goal line for the winning 29-yard touchdown with 2:51 to play. Mitchell again scored on the point-after to round out the scoring.
Deweyville had 160 yards total offense in the game, all but ten on the ground. Bland was the leading ground gainer for the Pirates with 40 yards on 12 carries. River Barry left the game with 22 yards on six carries to go with his two touchdowns. Nathan Berry ran for 33 yards on 12 rushes and his one score.
Colmesneil outgained Deweyville on the ground with 208 yards and through the air for 79 yards. Horton was the leading rusher in the game with 73 yards on six carries and of course his one reception for 29 yards. Shamblin had 52 yards rushing.
Deweyville travels to Warren next week. Colmesneil plays at home against High Island on Friday.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
Colmesneil 8 6 0 16- 30
Deweyville 8 8 0 6- 22
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