Bulldogs Strike Vipers

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 20^th 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.