Bulldogs Close Out a Challenging Season with Hope for What’s Ahead
By: Shelia Mader
It wasn’t the season the Bulldogs had hoped for, but it was one that offered lessons, growth, and glimpses of promise for what’s to come. The 2025 campaign tested the team in every way, yet those who showed up week after week saw steady improvement and flashes of the potential that could make 2026 a breakout year.
Marianna wrapped up their season with a 48–20 loss to South Walton, an echo of last year’s matchup that ended quite differently when the Bulldogs took home a 51–22 win.
The Bulldogs opened on offense but went three-and-out, setting up an early opportunity for the Seahawks. South Walton capitalized quickly, jumping ahead 7–0 with nine minutes left in the first quarter. Marianna struggled to move the ball on their next possession, but the defense stiffened when it mattered, forcing a missed field goal after a goal-line stand.
The Bulldogs began to find some rhythm, but another stalled drive led to a punt. South Walton responded with a 44-yard scoring drive, stretching their lead to 14–0. Marianna answered with a spark: quarterback Beau Swearingen connected with Kentrell James on a 23-yard touchdown pass, and kicker Hollister Roberts nailed the extra point to make it 14–7.
The Seahawks struck back with a five-yard touchdown pass to push the margin to 21–7 midway through the second quarter. Not to be outdone, Marianna dialed up a bit of trickery, a “Tom Foolery” play where RJ White found James for a 44-yard touchdown. Roberts stayed perfect on the PAT, pulling the Bulldogs within seven, 21–14.
Momentum seemed to shift, but a 61-yard kickoff return by the Seahawks swung it right back, giving them a 28–14 lead before halftime.
Marianna came out firing in the second half. James, who was electric all night, recovered an onside kick and sprinted 42 yards to the end zone just minutes into the third quarter. The extra point missed, but the Bulldogs were right back in it at 28–20.
South Walton, however, found another gear. The Seahawks added three more touchdowns in the second half to seal the 48–20 win.
While the season ended earlier than the Bulldogs hoped, there’s a lot to build on. The effort, the flashes of talent, and the grit shown in tough moments have laid the foundation for something better next fall. The Bulldogs’ faithful can look forward to 2026 with optimism, and maybe even a little excitement, for what this young team is becoming.
