BAINBRIDGE – With two winless teams stepping on to the field Friday night at Bainbridge-Guilford, something had to give.
The host Bobcats, who have shown steady improvement each week – albeit in losses – shut down Unadilla Valley’s offense, and controlled play from the start in a 28-0 shutout win.
Dylan Moffitt had his third straight 100-yard rushing performance finishing with 132 yards and one touchdown. Senior quarterback Cole Webb returned to the starter’s spot after suffering a broken hand in week one, and added two TD runs, and the Bobcats’ defense played in the Storm’s backfield all night recording eight sacks and forcing three turnovers.
“The kids show up for practice every day and work hard, they believe in what we’re doing, and I felt we played a complete game tonight offensively and defensively,” said B-G head coach Tim Mattingly.
Mattingly spoke of his team’s steady gains week by week, but with the losses mounting, the words may have seemed hollow in the absence of a victory. Two plays into the game, though, B-G was on the board courtesy of a Moffitt 61-yard TD dash. Moffitt broke a tackle just past the line of scrimmage, and outran the UV defense to the endzone. “Dylan has really stepped it up this year,” Mattingly said. “Every year we get these running backs we’re not sure about, and last year it was Jake Mazzarella. Not only does Dylan have breakaway speed, but he’s a tough, tough runner.”
Moffitt has flourished in spite of Webb’s limited role as a defensive player the previous three weeks. Webb had his cast removed last week, and although he did not complete a pass, the threat of a pass was present. Webb also showed he was an able runner scoring on runs of three and 15 yards. Pedro Aparicio added a four-yard scoring run in the second quarter to create a 21-0 halftime lead.
“Cole just gives us so many more options on offense,” Mattingly said. “He does a great job running the offense and our offense. Getting him back was a big key.”
While the B-G offense was moving the ball effectively, its defense was stifling holding the Storm to 64 yards of total offense. The Storm drove for two first downs late in the first quarter to reach the 31, but two penalties and two sacks later, UV was rendered to a fourth-and-42, and had to punt the ball away.
“Willie McGinnis works with our defensive line, and he has done a great job with the young kids,” Mattingly said. “He has them staying low and getting off the ball. And the best thing is that we’re playing physical football.”
B-G (1-4) plays at Delhi this Saturday, while Unadilla Valley travels to Walton the same day.
Score by quarters
UV 0 0 0 0–0
B-G 14 7 7 0–28
Scoring Summary
B-G: Dylan Moffitt 61 run (Lucas Butcher kick)
