The ECI Bulldogs opened their region schedule in impressive fashion last week, hosting the Claxton Tigers in their second Thursday night game of the season. The Bulldogs wasted little time showing the 5-2 Tigers that they would be in for a long night, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions in the first quarter on the way to a 42-8 victory.
ECI put all 42 of its points on the scoreboard in the first half, scoring three touchdowns in each of the first two quarters to build a commanding 42-0 lead at the break. The lopsided score allowed the Bulldog starters to rest during the second half while younger players gained valuable varsity playing time that could prove important as the season progresses.
Claxton scored its only touchdown with just 22 seconds remaining in the game as the Bulldogs secured their first region victory, 42-8.
ECI took the opening kickoff and marched downfield for the game's first score. Ste’Kieven Sinkfield capped the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, giving the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead.
Ab Marsh added two more touchdowns in the first quarter on runs of one and two yards as ECI extended its advantage to 21-0.
Chase Johnson took over the scoring duties in the second quarter, finding the end zone on runs of two and 11 yards to push the Bulldog lead to 35-0. Sinkfield added his second touchdown of the night on an 11-yard run with just 12 seconds remaining in the first half, putting the finishing touches on ECI's six-touchdown performance before halftime.
With the starters on the sidelines for the second half, the Bulldogs' younger players finished out the contest and gained valuable game experience. With an important region schedule ahead, those additional repetitions could pay dividends as the season moves forward.
The Bulldogs finished with 336 yards of total offense, including 277 yards rushing and 59 yards through the air. ECI spread the workload among 14 different ball carriers, demonstrating the depth of its rushing attack.
Sinkfield led the Bulldogs with 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Other leading rushers included TJ Weaver with 42 yards, Marsh with 41 yards and two touchdowns, Justin Nobles with 37 yards, Caprice Handsom with 28 yards, Vaiden Kirkland with 21 yards, and Chase Johnson with 13 yards and two touchdowns.
Through the air, Davis Johnson completed two of three passes for 59 yards. Chase Johnson hauled in a 47-yard reception, while Sinkfield caught a 12-yard pass.
The Bulldogs now face a stretch with little time to rest. ECI traveled to Darien on Tuesday for a makeup game against the McIntosh County Buccaneers before heading back on the road Friday to face Montgomery County in Mount Vernon.
The matchup with the Eagles will mark ECI's third region game in just eight days, making preparation and recovery especially important as the Bulldogs look to build on their strong start to region play.
