Moody, Gouveia Lead Bulldogs To Big Win 27-7
ASHBURN, VA - The Stone Bridge Bulldogs let the rest of the Liberty District know they have no intention of loosening their grip on the title they have held since entering the division in 2005. The Bulldogs met previously-undefeated Madison head on Saturday afternoon, and crushed the Warhawks 27-7. Ryan Moody and Jeron Gouveia led the scoring for the Bulldogs, each reaching the end-zone twice in the game.
Madison began the game with the ball, and the Stone Bridge defense came out geared to stop the run. Aside from a pass interference call, the Warhawks were unable to effectively move the ball, and were forced to punt from their own 45. Stone Bridge took over on its own 34, and stayed on the ground until moving into Madison territory.
On first-and-ten, Patrick Thompson found Gouveia on a slant pass, but Gouveia fumbled after advancing to the Madison 31. The Warhawks good luck was brief, however, as quarterback Will Clarkson was intercepted by Kevin Elliott on the very next play. The Bulldogs struck quickly, and Thompson hit Moody streaking down the left sideline for a 52-yard TD. Abdul Shaban added the extra point and Stone Bridge had the first lead 7-0.
Madison resumed after the kickoff on the Warhawk 36, but was unable to record a first down and punted to the Stone Bridge 21. The Bulldogs found themselves on the Madison 30 just six plays later, thanks largely to a Thompson-to-Gouveia 35 yard completion. On first-and-ten, Thompson laid a perfect pass over the shoulder of Moody, who out-raced the secondary to the end-zone. Shaban's second PAT put Stone Bridge in control 14-0.
Following the kickoff, the Warhawks took over on the Madison 25, and used five straight rushes by Tucker Barstow to move out near midfield, but no farther. The punt backed Stone Bridge up to its own 17, and on the fourth play of the drive, Thompson appeared to twist a knee. Gouveia was moved into the quarterback position, but the offense barely sputtered. He hit Moody for 29 yards, and then a leaping Matt Irwin for 38 down to the Madison 5. Gouveia then took it in himself, putting the Bulldogs ahead 20-0. A personal foul after the touchdown run put the PAT attempt on the one, but Gouveia was unable to punch in from there.
Madison's final attempt before the half to establish some offense was cut short when Mike Stancik intercepted Clarkson and returned it for twenty yards.
Stone Bridge opened the second half with the ball, and healthy doses of Gouveia and Kareem Alexander ground the ball down to the Madison 37. On second-and-eight, Gouveia's pass was intercepted at the eighteen, and the Warhawks needed some offensive production. They finally got some.
What ensued was an impressive 22-play drive that ate up 11 minutes and 37 seconds, spanning from 7:26 of the third quarter to 7:46 of the fourth. During the march, Madison rushed eighteen times, and converted two fourth downs. Credit must be given to the Bulldog defense for a valiant stand and an impressive display of stamina. Facing first-and-goal from the six, the Stone Bridge defenders drove the Warhawks back for losses on the next three plays. Finally, on fourth-and-goal from the 17, Clarkson found Brendan Ginley in the corner for Madison's lone score.
An attempt at an onside kick was unsuccessful, and the Bulldogs started from midfield. The drive lost steam at the Warhawk 24, and Ronnie Shaban's 40-yard field goal attempt was just right of the target. With 3:06 to play, Madison was forced to pass but could generate nothing. Taking over on downs at the Madison 33, the Bulldogs needed only three plays before Gouveia rammed through the center of the line and broke free for a 25-yard touchdown. The PAT kick was good and Stone Bridge led 27-7, finishing the scoring.
While Madison dominated the time of possession, the rest was all Stone Bridge. The Bulldogs averaged five yards per carry, while the Warhawks managed only 61 yards on 37 carries. Stone Bridge tallied 193 yards passing on only six completions, and Madison recorded 78 yards on 7-of-19 passing while surrendering three interceptions. The Bulldog defense has held opponents to an average of 112.5 yards of offense over the previous six games.
The Bulldogs continue their district schedule on Friday, hosting Thomas Jefferson on senior night at Stone Bridge.
Prepared by, Dave and Suzy Barta
spbarta@aol.com
