A light mist blankets the surrounding
hills that overlook the Stewart Field Complex in Aberdeen,
Washington. The cool ocean air quiets the landscape bringing a
calmness prior to the impending storm. The Bellingham Bulldogs,
having conquered the Pacific Football League North Division, traveled
to this sleepy bay-side town to claim their right to the League
title. Boasting a 10-2 record the Bulldogs seemed assured certain
victory against their South Division opponents, the South Lane
Buzzards.
The surging Bulldogs defense washed
over the Buzzards like a rouge wave. Pushing South Lane back and
forcing an early punt. The Bulldogs offensive line took advantage of
their size and moved the ball with a combination of runs by Brett
Hall and a quick strike to Toby Seim to score the first touchdown of
the game. Momentum continued to favor Bellingham as a recovered
fumble lead to another scoring drive, caped again by a pass from Eric
Taylor to Toby Seim.
The bruising running attacks and quick
passes kept the Buzzards on their heals. Trying their bests to hold
back the waves of offense with little success as Bellingham scored
twice more in the second quarter. Once in the air with a 12-yard pass
to Nicholas Gavigan and then a crushing 92-yard touchdown run by
Brett Hall. Throughout the first half the Bulldogs defense remain
dominate, keeping the Buzzards from scoring a single point.
Bellingham started the second half a
little sluggish. Miscues, fumbles and interceptions kept South Lanes'
hopes for a comeback alive, but Bellingham would not recede. Adding
another touchdown drive with a 12-yard scoring throw to Douglas
Miller.
The Bulldogs however were not to get
their perfect shutout. After a favorable kick return the Buzzards
connected on a 44-yard pass to put them on the one-yard line. Two
plays later South Lane found the end zone for their only scoring
drive of the game.
The last laugh would belong to the
Bulldogs when back-up quarterback Noah Clein found Nicholas Gavigan
with a 39-yard touchdown throw. Sealing the game and the 2013 PFL
Championship. Final score: 40-7. Click here to view photos of the
game.