Poland mixes strong ground game, defense to top Niles, 28-14
The Poland Bulldogs used defense and an impressive running game to win convincingly at Niles, defeating the Red Dragons 28-14 in a clash of 5-1 teams.
“To come over here in a hostile environment and beat a really good Niles team, I’m really proud of our guys and our coaches,” said Poland head coach Tom Pavlansky. “It comes back to how we prepare and practice and I’m just proud of these guys.”
Poland opens the scoring
Poland took advantage after a Niles missed field goal late in the first quarter, driving down the field and cashing in the game’s first score on a 2-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Dominic Pagano.
Niles would answer on their next drive with a 27-yard touchdown reception. from quarterback Anthony Budak to running back Antuan Gardner to tie the game at seven.
Poland did an otherwise nice job containing the explosive Gardner, limiting his big plays and bottling up the Red Dragons potent run game.
The Bulldogs’ running back would take over this game as senior Cole Fulton scored the first of his three touchdowns on the night on a 2-yard carry into the endzone to give Poland a 14-7 lead going into halftime. A lead they would not relinquish the rest of the game.
Fulton would add two long touchdown runs of over 50 yards each in the third quarter and throw in a key interception, one of three for Poland in the second half, for good measure.
“Just making plays in a big game like this was great,” said Fulton about his performance, “and the defense was stepping up all night.”
Niles scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper by Budak in the third quarter. Still, Fulton’s third touchdown came just a couple of plays later on the Bulldogs’ next possession. The momentum they would carry to the end of the game as their defense and run game forced a scoreless fourth quarter.
Who does Poland, Niles play next week?
Poland (6-1) will play a conference game at Girard next week as Niles (5-2) will stay home to host conference rival South Range.
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This story was originally published September 29, 2023 at 11:58 PM.