AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: THS QB Cam Hill was solid agains the Tornadoes, carving them up for 174 passing yards and two TDs.

THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Bulldogs pulled out the win on Friday night in their first region game of the 2023 season against Monroe. The Tornadoes put up a good fight, but the Bulldogs fought harder.

Early on, the Tornadoes offense was having some success, specifically in the air. But, a big sack by Thomasville put an end to that. Bulldogs quarterback Cam Hill struggled early with his accuracy, overthrowing and under throwing his receivers. Thomasville started to gain some momentum, but fumbled and saw Monroe scoop up the ball and take it to the house for the first score of the game.

Thomasville was able to rally and respond, however, as Hill found receiver Nigel Pittman who took it 78 yards for the touchdown to knot the score at seven. Monroe was having a lot of success in the return game, consistently returning kickoffs 20 or 30 yards. Thomasville was able to counter this with some low and even squib kicks, but not before Monroe put themselves in solid field position.

The defense would step up, however, forcing a fumble on the Tornadoes ensuing drive and giving the offense pristine field position. After Hill found his receivers and moved the ball into scoring position, the run game took over, and the Bulldogs punched it in for the go ahead score. It was a lead they would never relinquish.

The Bulldogs seemed to be settling into a groove, while Monroe’s offense struggled to find any momentum. Thomasville extended their lead to ten on a Colby Hall 37 yard field goal. Hall was perfect on the night, going 4-4 on PAT’s and 2-2 on field goals.

Monroe did find some success on defense after a Thomasville blocked punt put the Bulldogs on the 13 yard line. Monroe brought the pressure and forced a near pick out of Hill. The Tornadoes stood strong and forced a field goal, which Hall converted to make it 20-7 with the Bulldogs leading at half time.

Thomasville came out of the half on a mission, determined to finish the game. They came out firing and scored quickly, putting them up 27-7. But, there was a sudden shift in momentum. Monroe decided they weren’t quite done yet and marched down the field on a stellar drive led by quarterback Cory Randal. The drive was capped off by a QB scramble into the endzone. Thomasville muffed the ensuing kickoff and were pinned on the three yard line and forced to punt soon after.

However, momentum would shift again as the Bulldogs forced and recovered another Monroe fumble, giving them the ball at the 39 yard line. Though they couldn’t capitalize, Punter Andrew Bennett placed the ball beautifully and pined the Tornadoes inside the five. Another win for the Thomasville kicking game.

“That was the finish that we needed,” Delay said about his team after pinning the Tornadoes deep.

Monroe was forced to punt out of their own end zone, giving Thomasville great field position and leading to another Bulldogs touchdown. A bevy of penalties dragged the fourth quarter along as Thomasville looked to run out the clock and maintain their 34-14 lead. That would be the final score as the horn sounded signaling a Bulldog victory.

It was a stellar performance by Thomasville in their region opener. A confidence boost that this team was in need of after a tough schedule and a 2-3 start. Hill was fantastic at the QB position, throwing for 174 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The ground game was also solid, accounting for a pair of touchdowns as Ant Anderson led with 42 yards. Led by Joe Douglas, the defense was fantastic, giving up just one offensive score. Douglas led the squad with 11 solo tackles and 15 total tackles. The Bulldogs were extremely disruptive, racking up five tackles for a loss, four quarterback hurries and six sacks.

“Really proud of the defense,” DeLay said. “They only gave up seven points tonight and that was on a short field. They played real well tonight.”

DeLay spoke on the fact that there are still things to clean up, but tit will be easier after a win.

“The good news is, we got this win and we’re cleaning it up after a win. Anytime you can get a win that’s better than the alternative,” DeLay said.

This was a great win for Thomasville as they enter region play. The games that truly matter come playoff time. Currently 1-0 in the region, Thomasville will head to Columbus this Friday to take on Carver.