ACHS loses 12-7 in Season Opener
The ACHS Bulldogs were beaten by Hanson High School in Franklin 12-7 this past Friday night. The Dogs led 7-0 for most of the contest, only to have the Hanson Tigers score with two minutes remaining after they were trailing 7-6.
The Dogs got on the board in the first quarter with Senior QB Collin Rowland hooking up with Senior WR Alex Olivier for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Senior Robert Landry added the extra point and the Dogs led 7-0. The score remained the same to halftime, due to a strong defensive effort by ACHS.
The second half kickoff was not fielded by ACHS and Hanson recovered and would eventually score on a short and sloppy field to make the score 7-6 in favor of ACHS. The Bulldogs apparently scored on a long touchdown pass from Rowland to Olivier, only to have it nullified by a clipping penalty. The drive stalled as most of the offensive drives did in the second half for ACHS. With 2:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, after converting on a 4 and 3, Hanson scored to make the score 12-7. ACHS had one last opportunity, but the drive ended with an interception and Hanson ran out the clock.
According to Coach Rick Bolotte, “I am not disappointed with the effort of my team, but with the results.”
Bolotte added, “this team is head and shoulders past where we were last year at any point during the season and we are very close to turning this thing around. The attitude remains positive, both teams had to play in the slop and Hanson found a way to win after we held them scoreless for two and a half quarters. We had some key mistakes that came at crucial times; we have to clean this up to become a better team. I believe in my team and the leadership continues to be good.”
Senior Taylor Tripode led the Dogs on the ground with seven carries for 24 yards. Rowland was 6-12 for 132 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Olivier led the receivers with two catches for 63 yards, Senior Cade Schexnayder had two catches for 27 yards and Senior Jake Lejeune had 1 catch for 38 yards. On the defensive side, Senior LB Blane Falsetta and Soph DB Grant Rousseau had 13 tackles each, Oliver chipped in with 11 tackles. Senior Ryan Rodrigue recorded eight tackles with one sack.
The Bulldogs will be back in action this Friday night for the home opener against Episcopal. Episcopal is coached by former ACHS Alum Travis Bourgeois and the Knights have a very solid team. Follow the Bulldogs on KKAY 1590 AM, globalradiokkay.com or tunein.com, search KKAY for our new I Phone Application. Pre-game begins at 6:45 with Troy LeBoeuf and Larry Dunn on the Call.