Published: October 05, 2008 10:53 am      

Empire rally comes up short in 14-6 loss to Elmore City-Pernell

EMPIRE — It was a great night for football Friday evening at Empire as it hosted the visiting Elmore City-Pernell Badgers. The two teams were evenly matched, but it was Elmore City escaping a late rally by the Bulldogs to secure a 14-6 district win.

Early in the game, both teams seemed to be jocking for position, waiting for its chance to capitalize on the other’s mistakes. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they would be first to falter, as a missed snap got loose near the endzone resulting in a 2-0 lead for the Badgers with 7:52 left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, senior running back Chance Bridges took the ball through Elmore City's defense on a 68-yard sprint deep in to Badgers’ territory. The drive later stalled, however. Later in the quarter, Elmore City went on a drive of its own and capped it off with a six-yard run with 1:57 left in the half.

Empire’s only score of the night came when senior quarterback Shashonee Sales hooked up with Tyler Carney on a quick 41-yard pass with just 26 seconds left in the half.

Each team struggled offensively in the second half. Heading into the fourth quarter, Elmore City would take advantage of another Bulldog special teams mistake, blocking a punt and running it in from eight yards out.

Empire put itself in position to score late in the game, Sales had a couple shots at open receivers in the endzone but dropped passes insured a victory for the Badgers’ who improved to 3-1 in District A-4.

After the game Empire's Head Coach Keith Burton praised the kids’ efforts despite their mistakes.

The Bulldogs must now prepare for another district contest when they take on the Rush Springs Redskins next week. Rush Springs picked up its first win of the season Friday night, defeating Wilson 15-14.