Bulldogs Break in New Stadium with a 61-15 Win

Beautiful day for some Bulldog football at the brand new Bulldog Stadium.
Photo taken by Margaret Anderson.

The TLU community has anxiously awaited Saturday’s festivities, field dedication, and game since the new Athletics Complex ground breaking at last year’s homecoming. Our TLU Bulldogs faced off against Sul Ross State Unversity, breaking in our brand new facilities, so new even the black and gold paint still looked wet.

          We couldn’t lose, not the way things were looking; we had celebrities, alumni, and of course all of us Bulldogs clad in black and gold ready to support our athletes.

          The coin toss, which in most football games is trivial, set the tone for us. We collected a quick victory in the center of the field and did not let up until the final seconds ran out.

          In the first play, Sul Ross got dirty, probably out of fear and uncontrolled anticipation, but we ended up with a first down due to a face mask penalty.

          Our starting quarterback, Trenton White, spiraled several direct, short passes pushing us closer and closer to the end zone. Setting the tone for the game and several other plays, Marquis Barrolle scored the first touchdown in the brand new end zone.

          Of course we are going to holler for the offense, but our defense hit just as hard. These fast, large young men stopped the Sul Ross quarterback as he scrambled to gain yardage. Sul Ross was close enough to nail an easy field goal but instead went for the touchdown. No chance our bulldogs, as Sul Ross was shut down by the defense. These first few possessions put us on our way, ending the first quarter with a 7-2 lead.

          A.J. Saucedo lowered his head against the Sul Ross defense for several carries that resulted in yard gains. Sul Ross’s Xavier Jefferson scored their first touchdown in the second quarter.

          TLU Quarterback Trenton White found Dustin Hannon for another big play and a touchdown and Tyler Brandenburg kicked a good field goal.

          Sul Ross’s Cordrick Mobly caught a pass resulting in their second touchdown. Sul Ross attempted a field goal but our Dominic Stives charged in and blocked the kick like a soldier leaping on a grenade. Not only is this somewhat rare in the game of football, it is also sends an extreme jolt of energy for the players, as well as all sports fans watching. Plays like these add up in morale, which in turn add up in the score.

          Trenton White found Marquis Barrolle again while making connections with A.J. Saucedo, J.B. Brown, and Lewis Williams II. An amazing 35-yard field goal from Brandenburg gave the Bulldogs a 17-15 lead at half time.

Sul Ross started the third quarter with a fumble, picked up by Stives. Our Bulldogs continued their roll when White came into focused for the third quarter finding Barrolle once again, this time resulting in a 23-yard touchdown. Brandenburg kicks yet another goal.

          Drake Dowling makes a high quality interception and White finds Lewis Williams for another touchdown which Brandenburg followed with another good kick.

          The 41-15 score at the end of the third quarter looked good, and the fans were certainly doing their part.

          In the fourth quarter we put the nails in the coffin, our Bulldogs were relentless. White made a short run for another touchdown, with Brandenburg nailing the kick. After an entire night of running the ball and butting heads with our opponents, A.J. Saucedo ran past the defense for a touchdown. Zach Galindo stepped in for White as QB, throwing the final pass, caught by Demetrius Brock for the last touchdown. Brandenburg crushes the final kick leaving us with a 61-15 smack down.

          A crushing victory, a sports celebrity, tons of alumni and a wedding proposal all came together to really justify our firework show. This is the beginning of tailgating and on-campus football that will quickly become tradition; it’s hard to beat fellow bulldogs, cold beer, and great football.

Bulldogs celebrate with fireworks their first game at the brand new Bulldog Stadium with a 61-15 victory over Sul Ross on Sep 6.
Photo taken by Margaret Anderson.

Dylan Stork, Reporter

Margaret Anderson, Photographer