By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com (Photo by Kristy Gallagher)

SYLVANIA, Ala. — The Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the Sylvania Rams, 21-20 in a game some have said was the biggest battle of the 2018 football season.  The Bulldogs were not only the  victor but they remain perfect in region play.

The Rams started the game by taking the opening kickoff down the field for 72 yards in nine plays.  Nathan King took the handoff to score but fumbled in the endzone.  Winston Wilks recovered the ball for the Ram touchdown. The extra point attempt failed but put the Rams up 6-0 with 5:33 remaining in the first quarter.

On the final play of the second quarter, Geraldine scored on a 2-yard dash into the endzone by Andrew Hall.  The extra point attempt was good and the Bulldogs carried the 7-6 lead into halftime.

With 4:46 remaining in the third quarter, PJ Watts scored on a 1-yard scamper into the endzone.  The PAT was good and Geraldine took the 14-6 lead.  With 1:11 remaining to play in the third Gareth Anderson bulldozed down the field for 37 yards for the score.  The Rams sent Anderson back into battle, bringing in the two-point conversion to tie the game with a score of 14-14.

With 9:56 remaining in play, Hall stampeded down the field for 62 yards to score for the Bulldogs.  The extra point attempt was good and the Bulldogs took the 21-14 lead.  With 1.4 seconds remaining in the game, Brody Smith made the 10-yard connection with Grant Atchley for the score. As fans from both teams were on the edge of their seats, the Rams made the decision to go for two, instead of going into overtime play.  The Bulldogs stopped the Rams and won with the score of 21-20.

Sylvania will host the Fyffe Red Devils on Friday night.  Geraldine will close out their regular season play, hosting Piedmont on Friday.