Bulldogs miscues lead to Walton win

The Marianna Bulldogs opened their 2025 regular season on the road Friday night against the Walton Braves, carrying with them the weight of last year’s undefeated 10-0 season and plenty of expectations. But in football, every season writes its own story, and this one began with a hard lesson. Walton capitalized on Marianna’s miscues to secure a 33-6 victory, sending the Bulldogs back to the drawing board.

The game was a stark contrast to the shootout between the two teams a year ago, when Marianna outlasted Walton in a 50-44 opening season thriller. This time, turnovers and inexperience told the tale. With a freshman quarterback under center and a freshman running back in the backfield, the Bulldogs’ youth was exposed early and often. Add in the sting of losing 22 seniors to graduation in May, and Marianna looked every bit like a team searching for its new identity.

Still, the Bulldogs never waved the white flag. For three quarters they were bottled up on their own side of the field, managing just one first down, but the team showed resilience in refusing to quit. Down 33-0 with the final seconds ticking away, freshman Walt Maddox punched in Marianna’s lone touchdown after a Walton fumble near the goal line, giving the Bulldogs something to build on in the weeks ahead.

Another highlight was the all-around play of Kentrell James, who was seemingly everywhere for the Bulldogs. Whether lining up on offense or making stops on defense, James’ name echoed repeatedly from the Walton press box as he turned in a workhorse performance.

For their efforts, Maddox was named Offensive Player of the Game by Deep South Sports, while James earned Defensive Player of the Game honors.

Though it was not the start Marianna had hoped for, the night offered glimpses of grit and promise from a team in transition. With a long season still ahead, the Bulldogs will look to turn Friday’s frustrations into fuel for growth.