The New London Bulldogs scored on seven straight drives, and opened the season with a 48-0 win over Oconto Falls in a Non-Conference season opener on Thursday. The Bulldogs were forced to punt on their first possession, but got their offense clicking, scoring 21 points in both the first and second quarter.
Junior running back Makaio Harn rushed for 140 yards and scored on touchdown runs on 3 and 37 yards.
“We came in with a whole bunch of butterflies, but after that we kind of got into it and executed well” Harns said. “Our offensive line was doing a heck of a job making holes” Harns added.
“We figured we could pound the ball” New London Coach Mark Marsh said. “We really like what we have with Makaio.”
Coach Marsh said this wins said a lot to his team.
“They have the confidence, but they needed to come out and prove that on the field, and they did that. Tonight, the focus was on the running game and Makaio did that for us tonight and that is credit to our line” Marsh said.
Bulldog quarterback Jack Noffke was nearly perfect, going 3 for 4 with 85 yards passing, and all three of his pass completions went for touchdowns.
“That rating has to be pretty close to perfect. We did not need him as much tonight, but he is ready for us as a three year starter.”
The Bulldogs had 392 yards of offense, and held Oconto Falls to 42 total yards. The Panthers were held to -1 yard rushing. The win gave Marsh his first 1-0 start since taking over the program. The last time the Bulldogs were 1-0 was 2010.
“This sets the tone for the season, because now we have that energy to keep pushing forward. Only half the teams in the state start this way, so it is nice to be on this side for once.”
Photo: Makaio Harn