By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala. — The Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the Clements Colts, 49-16 to advance to the second round of the Class 3A Alabama High School Athletic Association Football Playoffs.

The Geraldine Bulldogs scored with 7:23 remaining in the first quarter on a 30-yard touchdown pass from D.J. Graham to Kyle Thackerson.  The extra point attempt by Jose Garcia failed, giving the Bulldogs the 6-0 advantage.  On the Colt’s next possession, they scored on a 23-yard touchdown.  Clements successfully went for two, to take the 8-6 lead with 3:07 remaining in the opening quarter.  

With 11:54 remaining in the second quarter, Anthony Baldwin scored for the Bulldogs on a 12-yard touchdown.  Baldwin made the two-point conversion to take a 14-8 lead.  With 3:13 remaining in the first half, Baldwin scored on a 10-yard stampede into the endzone.  The two-point conversion by Chase Kemondy, gave the Bulldogs the 22-8 lead. 

To start the second half, Baldwin scored his third touchdown of the night on a 8-yard gallop into the endzone with 9:17 remaining in the third.  The kick by Garcia was good, giving the Bulldogs the 29-8 lead.  

On the next Geraldine possession, Willoughby scored on a 62-yard touchdown run with 5:50 remaining in the third quarter.  The point after attempt by Garcia gave the Bulldogs the 36-8 advantage.  

With 11:03 remaining in the game, Clements scored from 5-yards out.  The Colts successfully went for two,  to make the score, 36-16.  With 8:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, Willoughby bulldozed 68 yards down the field to score, giving the Bulldogs the 42-16 advantage.  After an interception by Baldwin, the Bulldogs scored on a 15-yard pass connection from Graham to Jackson Bearden to make the final score 49-16.  

Geraldine (7-4) will travel to Sylacauga to take on B.B. Comer (6-5) in the second round of the Class 3A AHSAA State Football playoffs.