Bridgeland overpowers Dawson 52-14 in season opener

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Dawson's Kaden Dillard (10) catches a pass from Chase Davis behind the Bridgeland secondary and turns it into a 59-yard catch and run for a score in the first quarter that tied the game at 14-14. The Bears went on to win the game 52-14.

[Photo by Lloyd Hendricks]

The opening ten minutes of the non-district contest between the Dawson Eagles and the Bridgeland Bears was everything that the fans could ask for as five touchdowns were scored -- two by the home team Dawson and three by the visitors - Bridgeland.

With 2:52 left in the opening quarter, the Bear led 21-14.

However, Bridgeland took control of the game as they scored early in the second period to make the score 28-14 with 9:09 left in the frame which stood at halftime.

Dawson scored their first touchdown at the 8:28 mark of the first quarter on a 13-yard scoring toss from QB Max Zavala to WR Chase Davis to tie the game at 7-7.

The touchdown was set up by an exciting kickoff return covering 68 yards to the Bears 17.

It took Bridgeland about four minutes to go back on top as they scored on a 35-yard scoring pass with 4:29 left in the first to make the score 14-7.

But it took the Eagles 20 seconds to match the score as Davis hit Kaden Dillard, who was wide open, for a 59-yard scoring catch and run for the touchdown. Ayden Treadaway hit his second PAT to knot up the score at 14-14 with 4:09 left in the opening period.

The second half belonged to Bridgeland who finished 12-1 last season in the 6A Region III Div. II title game.

The Bears scored twice in the third quarter and once in the final frame plus a field goal to post the 52-14 final score.

It was a total dominant performance by the offense and defense of Bridgeland.

The Bears had 28 first downs, 297 yards rushing, 324 yards passing for a total of 621 yards while Dawson finished with -11 yards on the ground and 169 yards through the air for a total of 158 yards.

Things will get a little easier this week as the Eagles will face the Elkins Knights and former assistant coach Trae Grimes who begins his second year at the helm of the Knights.

The two teams will meet on Saturday, September 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Hall Stadium.