Limiting KDB run game, big plays lift Dawgs
KINGSPORT — While Bearden’s quick-strike capabilities again provided enough offense for a second-round playoff victory — a 65-yard Jayzon Thompson touchdown run and 60-yard scoring pass from quarterback DJ Hunter to Tory Beaufort — the Dawgs’ defense slowed down a strong Dobyns-Bennett attack.
The Bulldogs, a No. 2 seed from Region 2-6A (9-3), gained control early in the third quarter and cruised to a 26-7 victory at the home of the Region 1-6A champion KDB Indians (9-3) Friday night, Nov. 15. A trip to 2-6A top seed Maryville (11-1) comes Friday, Nov. 22, in the state quarterfinals. Opening kick is 7 p.m.
A 48-yard Bearden scoring drive — aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty on a punt return — ended with Torian Riggins’ 1-yard TD run and a 7-0 BHS lead with 3:22 left in the first quarter. Thompson’s 32-yard reception from Hunter set up the score.
After Dobyns-Bennett’s ground attack led by running back Tegan Begley — and one 20-yard pass — set up a tying score on a short TD run, Bearden got Thompson’s long TD, a safety and Daniel Kinney’s 29-yard field goal to make it 19-7 at halftime.
The Hunter-to-Beaufort long scoring strike came less than two minutes into the third quarter.
