Sports have taught us to never quit, because one big moment can flip that fight on its head.
The Blue Devils victory over the Clearfield Bisons last Friday did not come easily. The first half of the season opener at Memorial Field displayed a heavy defensive struggle for Bellwood, including a missed extra point and a blocked field goal. When eventually, one play changed the game completely to spark B-A to a 26-14 win.
Usually, big plays aren't to be expected on special teams, but when they do happen, it's usually the biggest play of the game. In the 3rd quarter, with the Blue Devils trailing 7-6, got another defensive stop on 3rd down. Despite the elite defense that Bellwood was displaying up until this point, they couldn't seem to capitalize when they got the ball back. This is when it all changed.
As Clearfield punted the ball back to Bellwood, return man Jackson Dorminy seized the opportunity. He caught the ball, made one move to the right side and no defender was in sight. This punt return flipped the game around and brought momentum back to Bellwood, as they took the lead 12-7.
After this punt return, Bellwood was able to extend the lead with a touchdown run by Alex McCartney, bringing the score to 19-7. Clearfield responded one more time with a 25-yard touchdown pass. By this point it was too late, as Jeffrey Waite sealed the game with 5 minutes left with a 14-yard touchdown catch to re-extend Bellwood's lead up to 26-14.
"When I was waiting to catch the punt, I saw the right open up big and as soon as I caught the ball I knew I was gone," said Dorminy.
The momentum gained from this play stuck with the Blue Devils for the rest of the game, as they went on to win 26-14.
Alex McCartney was also a big factor in the Blue Devils victory, rushing for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns.
"We were all just doing our jobs, playing fast and setting the tone," he said.
Head coach Nick Lovrich knows that it's only up from here for his players for this season.
"I'm happy with how they did, obviously first game there's things to improve, things to clean up to get ready for next week, but I'm very happy with how they did," Coach Lovrich said.
This Friday the Blue Devils will look to extend their undefeated season against the Bishop McCort Crushers.