By Nick Nunn
Staff Writer

The  Morgan County Middle School (MCMS) Bullpups lost their opening game against the Youth Middle School Warriors last Wednesday 21-14.
The Warriors received the ball to start off the first half of the game. Their first drive was successful, despite a couple of powerful stops by Guy Nelson and Jodi M’Calister. Their extra point attempt was good, bringing the score to 7-0.
The Bullpups responded quickly. Eighth grader Willie Simmons caught the kick off at the Bullpups’ own 30 yard-line and ran the ball 70 yards for the Bullpups’ first touchdown of the game. Instead of attempting a kick for an extra point, the Bullpups gambled on a two-point conversion and were successful, making the score 8-7
“Special teams had a great game,” said Head Coach Stacy Webb.
The end of the Warriors’ next possession resulted in a turnover on downs, but the Pups weren’t able to capitalize on the turnover.
After the end of the first quarter, the Warriors scored their second touchdown, but missed their extra punt.
Neither team scored again before the end of the second quarter. The second half of the game began with a score of 13-8 with the Bullpups behind.
The second half of the game began with another outstanding kick-off return by Morgan County for a touchdown. Tremon Moore received the kick-off at the Bullpups’ 28-yard line, running the ball 72 yards for the touchdown. Morgan County tried again for a successful two-point conversion, but, this time, they didn’t make it.
The score at this point was 14-13.
During the rest of the third quarter neither team scored.
The Bullpups were in the lead until the Warriors scored with only one minute and four seconds to go in the last quarter. After the touchdown, the Warriors completed a two-point conversion, bringing the score to 21-14.
The Bullpups weren’t able to score with just a little more than a minute to go, so the final score against the Warriors was 21-14.
Coach Webb commented on his overall impression of the game.
“It was our first game, and we have kids that have never played in a game before. The outlook is good. We will make a few changes.”
“We look for a win this week against Monticello.”
The next game for the Bullpups, an away game against the Monticello Hurricanes, was held yesterday, Sept. 12 at 4:30. Expect the results of this game next week or follow our Twitter account: @MorganCitizen. The next game for the Bullpups will be against Greene County at home on Sept. 19.

Printed in the September 13 edition.