Bulldoggs drop heartbreaker in '09 opener

It was as gutwrenching a loss as one will see.

The Winder-Barrow High School football team appeared on its way to victory before visiting Madison County returned an interception to the Bulldogg 1-yard line in the final two minutes and then powered in for the game-winning score and a 35-29 win at W. Clair Harris Stadium.

WBHS (0-1, 0-1 in Region 8-AAAA) has moved ahead 29-28 with 5:37 left following a 46-yard run. However, Madison County didn't go away and actually had two chances to win the game, finally taking advantage of the second opportunity.

The Red Raiders (1-1, 1-1) failed on a fourth and goal on the 2-yard line when they tried to fool the WBHS defense by lining up for what appeared to be a field goal attempt. However, the placekicker never came onto the field and MCHS simply ran a play out of its usual point after/field goal formation.

After the fourth down attempt failed, the Bulldoggs took over on downs but could not run out the clock and a Madison County interception on third down was returned all the way to the WBHS 1-yard line. It appeared a penalty was going to be called during the runback on the Red Raiders but after a conference, the officials waved the flag off giving Madison County a first and goal.

The loss was about more than second-year Bulldogg head coach Ben Corley could take as he stood on the field after the game, bent over with his hands on his knees.

"Our kids played their hearts out," an emotional Corley said. "They believed in themselves and each other.Their coach let them down tonight."

Corley was referring to the third down pass attempt which Madison County intercepted.

"Our kids can play and compete in this region," Corley said.