Saturated clouds of April held off
their deluge long enough to allow the Bellingham Bulldogs to take the
field against the visiting Vancouver Vipers on Saturday, April 20th
at Lummi High School. This was the first home game of the Pacific
Football League 2013 season for the Bulldogs and they were eager to
show their faithful fans what their team could do. A mix of
experienced veterans from last years' championship team plus new
energy from first-time Bulldog players, the new-look Bulldogs boast a
higher intensity along with higher expectations.
The opening drive for Bellingham was
fast and fierce, beginning with a half-back pass to wide receiver
Toby Seim for a big gain. Domination from the offensive line moved
the football quickly and efficiently down field for a touchdown
scored by running back Brett Hall. The Dogs' defense also showed
their might early, keeping the Vipers from crossing mid-field and
forcing a punt. The punt made it's way down field where it was picked
up near the Bulldogs 10-yard-line by safety Miguel Pierre, who
returned it for a touchdown.
It was not until late in the first
quarter that Vancouver would be able to rally together a drive and
early in the second they scored their first touchdown. The Dogs'
offensive line would continue to dictate in the second quarter
pushing the Vipers back and scoring another touchdown on the legs of
Brett Hall. The Vipers would answer with another touchdown of their
own. However the relentless pounding of the football, as always,
opened up the passing game for Bellingham. Unleashing their
not-so-secret weapon Toby Seim, the Bulldogs scored again with a
10-yard strike from quarterback Leon Lilley to Seim.
Both teams moved at a fevered pitch as
the dark and ominous clouds silently rolled in for the second half,
which began with an interception by Bellingham linebacker Sean Hicks.
This lead to a cascade of scores from the Bulldogs including a pair
of touchdown strikes from Lilley to Seim and a powerful touchdown run by wide
receiver John Murphy. The Vipers would score once more in the last
seconds of the game but ultimately this would prove to be too much
for Vancouver to overcome. Final score: 47-20. Click here to
view photos from the game.
