HARLEM – The Harlem High Bulldogs shutout the Greenbrier Wolfpack 26-0 after one half of football on Friday, Aug. 15.
The weather delayed Friday night’s game for about an hour and started back with 6:45 left in the second quarter. Another storm right after halftime concluded the game Harlem’s favor.
In a matchup that was the game of year last season, fans crowded the Bulldogs’ stadium as what looked to be a beautiful night for football.
After a couple of three and out drives by Greenbrier, Harlem struck first on its second drive. A long pass to wide receiver Jayden Futrell to get the Bulldogs in position to score followed by running back Keaton Tillery rushing in the 7-yard touchdown. Harlem kicker Connor Anderson missed the extra point, making score 6-0 with under six minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The Wolfpack failed to convert on fourth down on their next drive but got the ball right back after a fumble. A few plays later, Futrell made another play, this time defensively, with an interception to put the Bulldogs in scoring territory.
Quarterback Mercer Barton earned his first touchdown of the season on a perfect over the shoulder pass to Wide Receiver Joseph Clark to begin the second quarter.
Harlem’s defense continued to stall Greenbrier through the second quarter. Running back Jax Stadler helped Harlem to a 20-0 lead, running in the 22-yard touchdown.
The Bulldogs scored their final touchdown of night right before the end of the first half, making the score 26-0 before the game was called due to weather.
Harlem will travel next week to play Washington-Wilkes on Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 pm. Greenbrier will be on the road again at Grovetown also at 7:30 p.m.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
