Rockwood Tigers Maul Wartburg

By Terry Futrell – October 13, 2018

It was a tough week for the Wartburg Bulldogs, losing their offensive coordinator to cancer on Tuesday and then having to face tough 2A rival Rockwood on Friday. Despite several big plays by the Bulldog offense, they were no match for the Tigers on Friday evening and lost to Rockwood 47-14.

Rockwood found the secret to overcoming the dynamic Bulldogs offense – keep them off the field!  The hard-nosed running attack of the Tigers chewed up the clock, rushing 45 times for 459 yards, while completing three of seven passes in the game for 35 yards. Conversely, the Bulldogs rushed only 12 times for 83 yards, depending heavily on their passing attack. The Bulldogs completed 13 of 24 passing attempts for 133 yards. Wartburg had 11 first downs in the game, compared to 24 for the Tigers.

Wartburg quarterback Josh Moore turned in his typical performance, completing 13 of 22 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown and rushing six times for 65 yards and one touchdown. Saylor Jones was the only other Bulldog with positive rushing yardage, gaining 26 yards on four attempts. Jones was also on the receiving end of four Josh Moore passes, gaining 27 yards. Moore’s most successful receiver was Colby Justes, who caught five passes for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Wartburg’s defense was led by Saylor Jones with 14 tackles. Josh Laymance had 6.5 tackles and two sacks for the evening.

Rockwood took the opening kickoff and returned it to the Wartburg 47. The Tigers then marched downfield in eight consecutive rushing plays, scoring on a 4-yard run. Wartburg responded by moving the ball to the Rockwood 49, highlighted by an 18-yard pass from Moore to Jones. The Wartburg drive stalled and Colby Justes punted, pinning the Tigers at their own 9-yard line. Once again, the Tigers methodically  moved downfield in 11 plays, scoring on a run from the 6-yard line. The extra point was good and the Tigers led 14-0 in the second quarter.

After Rockwood scored again to make it 21-0, the Bulldogs finally got on the board with a 5-yard run by Josh Moore. The 2-point conversion was good and the Tigers lead was cut to 21-8.

Wartburg came on strong in their opening drive of the second half, moving the ball from their own 30 to the Rockwood 22, where the drive stalled and Rockwood took over on downs. The drive was highlighted by a 15-yard pass from Moore to Chris Flowers and a 36-yard rush by Moore. Taking over on their own 22-yard line, Rockwood gained 58 yards on their very first play, then scored on their third play on a six yard run. The point after was good and the Tigers led 28-8.

Rockwood scored again before Wartburg was able to put up more points in the third quarter on a 46-yard reception by Colby Justes, making the score 35-14. Rockwood scored two more times in the fourth quarter, the final score coming on a 12-yard interception return on the last play of the game.

Wartburg, now 1-2 in Region 2-2A, takes on Sale Creek next Friday in a non-region game. Rockwood also has a 1-2 Region 2-2A record and takes on Hancock County next Friday, also a non-region contest.