Rutherford takes win over Marianna

Photo by Ben Williams

By: Shelia Mader

The Marianna Bulldogs took the field for their second home game, hopeful for another victory after notching their first win of the season with a 21-7 triumph over Bozeman. But the visiting Rutherford Rams had other plans, handing Marianna a 32-15 loss in a rain-soaked contest at Bulldog Stadium. While the outcome wasn’t what the Bulldogs wanted, the steady rainfall was welcome relief for local farmers in need of it.

Rutherford set the tone right away, returning the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. The extra point was no good, but the Rams held an early 6-0 lead. Marianna wasted little time responding, as Kentrell James found the end zone and Terrell James added a two-point conversion to put the Bulldogs ahead 8-6.

The Rams punched back with another score to reclaim the lead, 12-8, early in the second quarter. Marianna kept the momentum alive with the crowd on their feet when Arkayzeon White took the kickoff 85 yards into the endzone. This time, kicker Hollister Roberts drilled the extra point to give the Bulldogs a 15-12 advantage. Rutherford answered before halftime with a touchdown that made it 18-15 at the break.

In the second half, the Rams pulled away. They added a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters, sealing their 32-15 win. With the loss, Marianna drops to 1-4 on the season, while Rutherford also moves to 1-4.

The Bulldogs will have little time to regroup, as they hit the road Thursday night to face North Bay Haven. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and fans are encouraged to make the trip and cheer on the Bulldogs.