Burgard Powers Past Tonawanda
Riverside Field was the site for an intriguing Class B West match-up between the Burgard Bulldogs (2-3) and the Tonawanda Warriors (2-3). A win for either side would help keep playoff hopes alive for at least another week.
Dominic Prince the Bulldogs feature running back and Connolly Cup hopeful led Burgard to a 34-0 defeat. Improving their record to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the league. Prince finished with 139-yards rushing and scored four touchdowns. Prince had three TD runs and intercepted a pass and returned it 92 yards for a score.
Scary moment late in the 3rd quarter. Prince had to be stretchered off the field with what team personnel referred to as concussion symptoms. Prince was being treated at ECMC.
Steven Swaggard scored on a 17-yard run early in the 1st quarter, setting the tone early for the home team. “I said to myself, you gotta score here, don’t get caught” Swaggard said adding “As soon as I get the ball I gotta get to the end zone quick and luckily I did.”
On watching his teammate get carted off the field “We had to do this for him. Dom is our best player, it was scary man.” “He is one hell of a football player man. He’s like a son to me too” coach Jason Kolb said after the game.
“I was just talking with some colleges earlier today about Dom. Some team is going to get a good player.” On the injury “We are following concussion protocol, his health is most important. It was a bit surreal.”
The Bulldogs must win their final game next week vs Lew-Port and put up a lot of points if they plan on making it to the playoffs.
For Tonawanda they just could not stop the run or get anything going on offense. Burgard kept the Warriors offense in check. Limiting Tonawanda to just 68 yards rushing and 24 yards passing. “On defense we knew what they were running and still couldn’t stop it” Coach Joe Kelly said after the loss. “We have to get better and ready for NT next week.”
Playing with a heavy heart was Markuez Benefield a 12th grade wide receiver and linebacker. Benefield buried his brother earlier in the day, a recent homicide victim. “The first half I wasn’t playing my best cause I was thinking about my brother but then once that 2nd half started I was playing for my team and for him.” Benefield had a crucial block on several Prince touchdown’s including on the pick-6.
Tonawanda will play NT next week while Burgard hosts Lew-Port.