Cache in the playoffs

There was big news for Cache as the Bulldogs used an 81-yard TD pass from Tyler Harbin to Kyree Coleman with 6:31 left in the third quarter and then the defense did the rest, forcing a couple of turnovers and making some big hits during the final quarter to hold on for the victory, 21-16.

For Cache it was great defense as well but it was a special teams play that got the Bulldogs going as Case Hardzog picked up a blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown for the Bulldogs’ first score with 1:35 left in the first quarter. Ben Angiel tacked on the PAT to set up a 7-7 tie.

After the Bulldogs forced a fumble and recovered at the Chicks’ 32, Josiah Thomas took a jet sweep to cover the final 12 yards and Angiel toed the 14th point as Cache surged ahead.

“Again, our defense played lights out,” Cache head coach Faron Griffin said. “The blocked punt was huge with that scoop and score. Our kids just kept fighting. These seniors are just great leaders and have helped us get better each week.

“Those who know football knew we had a great deal of inexperience early on but these guys just kept improving each week.”

But the Bulldogs still had worked after taking their first lead after the Chicks connected on a long TD pass to go ahead 16-14.

It stayed that way until midway through the third quarter when Harbin hit Kyree Coleman on an 81-yard bomb where he simply outran the defense down the sideline to give Cache the big TD. Angiel kicked the PAT and the Bulldogs had all they needed with 6:31 left in the third quarter.

By that time the Chicks were forced to go with a backup quarterback after their starter injured an ankle and that gave the Bulldogs plenty of chances to make stops.

Late in the game after another turnover the Cache offense started moving the ball and eventually got close to the red zone but a holding call forced Angiel to try a field goal and it was short.

The Chicks were out of timeouts at that point but were able to get a couple of first downs before the Bulldogs broke up a desperation heave that ended the game and started the celebration on the Cache sideline.

The trip back to the playoffs is a sweet one.

“We’re back in the playoffs where we need to be,” Griffin said. “Now we come back and get ready for Blanchard. We know they have a good club but we’re excited about the opportunity.”