Milan uses big plays to beat Hawks
MILAN - Milan’s football team secured itself a spot in the Class 3A playoffs when the Bulldogs topped South Side 34-7.
The Bulldogs led at halftime 34-0, but they never scored anymore in the second half.
“We had a holding penalty that forced us to kick a long field goal and just shot ourselves in the foot a couple times,” said Milan head coach Jeff Morris. “Then you look up and you’re into the fourth quarter.”
The Bulldogs used big plays to jump out to a big lead early on. They scored on their first three offensive snaps and also with a punt return for a score by Lamartez Brooks.
Anthony Ballard ran for two scores, a 45-yarder and a 99-yard run.
“They punted, and the ball rolled to the 1-yard line and stopped there,” Morris said. “Then on the next play, we hand it off and he goes for a 99-yard score.”
Morris said the Bulldogs were aided by being able to capitalize on the brand of defense the Hawks play.
“It’s a high-risk defense that does well if you can be successful at it,” Morris said. “Fortunately for us we were able to break away and get past them for some big scores and a big early lead.”
Morris complimented South Side for the way it played, particularly in the second half.
“They played better ball after halftime and really came at our guys,” Morris said. “Yes we made mistakes, but South Side helped us make them.
“So give them credit for continuing to play hard.”
The victory allows Milan to avoid losing a possible tie-breaker with the Hawks for the fourth spot in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs will travel to South Gibson next week to compete for the third-place spot in the region.
Brandon Shields, 425-9751