Both Concord and J.M. Robinson entered Friday night's contest looking for their first win of the season. The Bulldogs were not the only visitors at Robert C. Bailey Stadium Friday night. The remnants of tropical storm Hannah brushed the area providing some heavy rain showers in the first half.
In the 1st quarter the teams exchanged several punts until Robinson tailback Jason Hampton broke free for a 37 yard touchdown run to put the Bulldogs up 7-0. The defenses ruled the rest of the quarter. Concord's Darin Posey and Wesley Scott sacked Bulldog quarterback Robert Cloninger to end the 1st quarter. The defensive struggle continued in the 2nd quarter with both offenses stalling. Later Concord would put together a sustained drive capped by Roger Smith's 27 yard touchdown reception from Sean Willix. Brandon Barnhardt would add the extra point to tie the game at 7-7. Concord's Wesley Scott recovered a Robinson fumble on the next series and the half ended in a 7-7 tie.
The defenses would control the 2nd half as well. After a Concord punt Jason Hampton would strike again for the Bulldogs, this time covering 71 yards to put Robinson up 14-7. Concord answered with a drive of their own capped by Evan Carpenter's 45 yard TD catch. Barnhardt's extra point was wide right. Concord's defense started the 4th quarter with a big stop as Robinson went for a 4th and short conversion. The duo of Wesley Scott and Jalen Brown teamed up to stop the Robinson runner short of the first down. Down by one Concord methodically drove down the field. But a tipped pass was intercepted by Bulldog cornerback Zach Fandl.
With less than two minutes left and Robinson holding the ball all appeared lost but Concord's defense would come through again. On the first play after the turnover the Spiders forced a fumble recovered by Concord linebacker Bradley Phillips. Concord would run a few plays before a field goal attempt. The Bulldogs used their remaining timeouts to ice kicker Brandon Barnhardt but to no avail. Barnhardt's 22 yard field goal split the uprights to give Concord the lead with 2 seconds remaining. The kickoff return was stopped after a short gain.
Darin Posey led the Concord defense with 12 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception. Sean Willix finished 12-27 for 165 yards with 2 touchdowns and one interception. Roger Smith added 58 yards rushing and a touchdown reception.
Next week the Spiders open SPC play with a trip to Piedmont.
Click on read more for complete stats. Stats courtesy Billy Lyerly and Scott Dyer.
