ECI hosted Metter in another rain-soaked game Friday, defeating the Tigers to remain undefeated in region play. Leading 7-0 at halftime, the Bulldogs poured on 27 points in the second half to send the Tigers back to Metter with a 34-6 loss.
With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 4-0 in region. Screven Co. is also perfect in region at 3-0 and the only region team undefeated at 5-0. ECI had their best offensive game of the season, rushing for 377 yards with 60 more through the air for 437 offensive yards.
The defense had another stellar game, limiting the Tigers to just 114 yards rushing while intercepting 3 Michael Ricks passes. Daon Bethea grabbed two Metter throws while Davis Johnson intercepted a Tiger pass in the endzone to stop the scoring threat. It was a defensive battle in the first half with just one touchdown scored by the Bulldogs.
ECI got the first break of the game when a Metter punt returner muffed a Bulldog punt which was recovered by ECI at the Metter one yard line. Tyler Foreman bulled over from there on the first play to put the Bulldogs up 7-0.
The third quarter was a mirror of the first half with the Bulldogs scoring the only touchdown. Bethea stepped in front of a Metter pass to put the Bulldogs in business at the Tiger 34-yard line. Tyler Foreman found the corner a few plays later from two yards out to put the Bulldogs 14-0. ECI wore down the Metter defenders with their run game, scoring 3 more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs extended their lead on the first play in the fourth on an Ab Marsh touchdown run to put the home team up 20-0. Metter scored their only touchdown of the game on the ensuing drive when Ricks scored from 2 yards out. For some reason the Metter coach decided to go for two, which failed, to make the score 20-6 ECI. Daon Bethea stopped another Metter drive, intercepting his second Tiger pass, taking it back 17 yards to the Metter 37-yard line. Ab Marsh scored his second touchdown on the first play from 37 yards out to extend the Bulldogs lead. Davis Johnson stepped in front of a Metter pass on the Tigers’ next drive, taking it back 35 yards to the ECI 35.
It didn’t take the Bulldogs but 6 plays to put the nail in the coffin when Malcom Steele found the endzone from 4 yards out to make the final score 34-6, Bulldogs. Tyler Foreman led the ground attack for 172 yards on 22 carries. Ab Marsh reached the century mark for the first time this season with 109 yards on 7 carries. Chase Johnson added 47 yards, with Malcom Steele, 38 yards and Jackson Kennedy 14, rounding out the total rushing yards. Kennedy was 4-7 for 60 yards spreading it around to 4 different receivers with Chase Johnson leading the way with 31 yards which set up a Bulldog touchdown.
The Bulldogs have a rare Thursday night game this week when they travel to Savannah to take on Savannah High School. With a big showdown looming later in the season, ECI will be looking to bring everyone back healthy against the 0-4 Blue Jackets.
