By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
J.U. Blacksher’s Bulldogs steamrolled Prattville Christian Academy last Friday, August 30, defeating the Panthers 55-14 and improving their season record to 2-0.
Quarterback K.D. Rabb led the Bulldogs offense, completing 5 of 9 pass attempts for three touchdowns and 164 yards.
JUB kicked off the scoring early with a 7-0 lead, coming on a 31-yard run from Bubba Nettles with 8:25 left in the first quarter. Just two minutes later, Rabb connected with J.T. Tucker on a 65-yard pass. Andrew Dawson added an extra-point kick after each score, and the Bulldogs had a 14-0 advantage.
With 30.3 seconds left in the first quarter, Rabb found Tucker for a second time with a 26-yard scoring pass. Dawson’s extra-point kick missed, and JUB retired the first period leading 20-0.
Rabb continued to press the gas during the second quarter, connecting with Tucker Spence for a 42-yard scoring pass. Rabb’s 14-yard rushing touchdown with just over eight minutes left in the half extended the lead to 34-0.
With just over two minutes left to go in the third period, Rabb assaulted the Panther defense again with a 15-yard touchdown run, his second of the night, stretching the Bulldogs lead to 41-0.
PCA finally responded to Rabb and Co. with a 25-yard scoring run on the Panthers next possession, which was followed up by a successful PAT attempt, bringing the scoring tally to 41-7 with 1:59 left in the period.
The Bulldogs replaced Rabb with backup quarterback Lathan Owens during the fourth period, and Owens wasted no time in picking up where Rabb left off.
Upon receiving his first snap, Owens rushed 45-yards for another JUB touchdown.
With 7:20 left in the contest, PCA found the end zone again on a 7-yard run that cut the score to 48-14.
The Panthers touchdown was answered almost immediately by another JUB scoring drive, stemming from a Jaylin Hunt 65-yard run, to close the scoring at 55-14.
Tucker had two receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, and Tucker Spence registered 67 yards and a TD on two receptions.
JaDaniel Nettles had nine carries for 93 yards and a touchdown to lead a Bulldogs ground game that registered 472 rushing yards, giving JUB an overall 636 yards of offense.
“I am very proud of my guys,” said JUB head coach Wes Sims. “They worked hard. We were efficient on the run and in our passing game. Andrew Dawson had an excellent night kicking. Dawson had one miss due to the ball falling off the tee, but otherwise has been perfect.”
Sims pointed out that the offensive fireworks weren’t the only bright spot for his team.
“Tucker Spence and Deon Hill were major defensive leaders for us this week and will continue to be leaders for us throughout the season,” he said, noting that tackling would be one of the major focus areas as JUB continues into the season.