In a hard fought battle between the Niles Dragons and the Poland Bulldogs, the Bulldogs were able to take the win to extend their record to 6-1. 

In the first quarter, Niles put together a very promising drive but was cut short by Poland’s defense. They attempted a 23-yard field goal, but they were not able to convert. With momentum from the missed field goal, Poland drove down the field 80-yards, ending with a 2-yard touchdown run by Dom Pagano. Jas Stefancin’s PAT was good, putting Poland up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Niles defense was able to come up with a big stop on 4th down on Poland’s 47-yard line. Niles was able to take the ball down the field, and Anthony Budak connected with Gardner for a 27-yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good, which made the score an equal 7-7. Not getting discouraged, Poland’s offense took the ball down the field, ending in a 6-yard touchdown run from Cole Fulton, with a made PAT that made the score 14-7 going into halftime.

At the start of the 3rd quarter, Poland’s Jas Stefancin converted on a successful onside kick to himself, which put the dogs on Niles own 48-yard line. Although Poland had momentum, Niles defense was able to stand strong and get a big stop. Niles was forced to punt and just a few plays later Poland Junior Cole Fulton took it to the house on a 52-yard run. This brings Poland’s lead to 21-7. Niles was able to respond with a 71-yard drive ending with Budak with a 2-yard rush to make the score 21-14. Right after Poland got the ball, they wasted no time with a 69-yard rushing touchdown from Cole Fulton, which gave Poland a 28-14 lead over the Dragons.

In the 4th quarter, both teams went back and forth but couldn’t put the ball into the endzone.

With just 2 minutes left on the clock, Niles blocks a punt in Poland’s territory. Poland’s defense was able to stand strong and stop Niles. The game ended 28-14 which improved Poland’s record to 6-1 (2-1 in conference) and Niles to 5-2 (2-1 in conference).

After the game Oliver McCully was asked: “Was Niles considered a tune-up game before Girard, or was the main focus on beating Niles first?”

He responded confidently with “the main focus was beating Niles first. Our goal is to go 1-0 every week, and take it one play at a time.”