Paul L. Dunbar (6-4) vs. Pulaski Southwestern (6-4) November 8, 2002

Coach Dale Anderson's Southwestern Warriors may be peaking at the right time.  Southwestern defeated Whitley County 55-6 last week and Sr. TB G. J. Wooldridge rushed for over 200 yards and appears to be healthy again.  6-2 200 pound Sr. QB Sam Sexton has passed for over 900 yards and also rushed for over 900 yards this season.  Sr. FB Jeryd Flynn also gives the Warriors a punishing inside runner.  Southwestern will also be seeking revenge tonight as Dunbar outlasted them in an opening round playoff game last season by a score of 28-27. 

Coach Mark Peach's Dunbar Bulldogs have a diverisfied offense which has become even more dangerous in later weeks since Aaron Mason has been used more as a wide receiver.  Mason and TE Clint Keller have been QB Josh Ellis' favorite targets this season, combining for 74 receptions and more than 1300 receiving yards.  Ellis has completed 145 of 254 passes for 2353 yards and 21 touchdowns.  RBs Markell Webb and Bobby Vyverberg have combined to give Dunbar a very effective running game.  6-2 225 pound Sr. defensive lineman Rick Jones has also had an excellent season for Dunbar. 

Dunbar survived a thriller to defeat Southwestern by a score of 28-25 to advance in the playoffs.  The first half was an offensive shootout as Dunbar led 28-21 at the intermission.  The second half was all defense as Southwestern scored the only points of the half on two safeties and Aaron Mason came up with a late interception to preserve the Bulldog victory.  Dunbar also had a great goal-line stand earlier in the fourth quarter as Southwestern had a first and goal at the Dunbar 4.  Southwestern ran the ball four times in a row and was stopped inches short of the goal line.  Dunbar needed all their heroics to overcome a brilliant performace by QB Sam Sexton who carried the ball 28 times for 209 yards and TD runs of 13 and 69 yards.  Sexton also completed 3 of 11 passes for 51 yards. 

Southwestern held a 346-297 edge in total offense but lost four fumbles and had two passes intercepted.  Southwestern held a 295-70 edge in rushing but Dunbar held a 227-51 advantage through the air.  Dunbar QB Josh Ellis completed 15 of 27 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns.  TE Clint Keller caught seven passes for 108 yards and a score.  Rick Jones led the Dunbar defense with 12 solo and three assisted stops. 

Scoring Summary

Paul L. Dunbar

28

Pulaski Southwestern

25

School	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Paul L. Dunbar	7	21	0	0	28
Pulaski Southwestern	14	7	0	4	25

PLD	- Josh Ellis 1 yard run (Carson Kerr kick)
SW	- Jeryd Flynn 2 yard run (Josh Woodall kick)
SW	- Sam Sexton 13 yard run (Woodall kick)
PLD	- Clint Keller 8 yard pass from Ellis (Kerr kick)
PLD	- Monte Mayberry 15 yard pass from Ellis (Kerr kick)
SW	- Sexton 69 yard run (Woodall kick)
PLD	- Aaron Mason 1 run (Kerr kick)
SW	- Safety, snap batted out of end zone
SW	- Mason tackled in end zone by Dustin Thrasher

 

Selected Statistics
 

Paul L. Dunbar						Pulaski Southwestern
Rushing	No.	Yds.	Avg.	Long		Rushing	No.	Yds.	Avg.	Long
Bobby Vyverberg	11	57	5.2	16		Sam Sexton	28	209	7.5	69
Markell Webb	7	20	2.9	9		G. J. Wooldridge	12	40	3.3	19
Josh Ellis	5	13	2.6	11		Jeryd Flynn	14	27	1.9	5
Aaron Mason	7	10	1.4	7		Dustin Thrasher	1	12	12.0	12
Thurman Clay	1	3	3.0	3		Chase Welch	2	7	3.5	5
Passing	A-C-I	Yds.	TD	Long		Passing	A-C-I	Yds.	TD	Long
Josh Ellis	27-15-2	227	2	42		Sam Sexton	11-3-2	51	0	33
Receiving	No.	Yds.	TD	Long		Receiving	No.	Yds.	TD	Long
Clint Keller	7	108	1	27		Kyle Turpin	1	33	0	33
Bobby Vyverberg	3	20	0	9		Dustin Rader	1	9	0	9
Aaron Mason	2	69	0	42		G. J. Wooldridge	1	9	0	9
Markell Webb	2	15	0	8
Monte Mayberry	1	15	1	15

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to WL Stats for providing statistics for tonight's game. 

Other Games of Interest

Class A Playoffs

Class 2A Playoffs

Class 3A Playoffs

Class 4A Playoffs