Poplar Defensive Play Among Highlights In Loss Against Forsyth
Poplar’s defense turned in a standout effort in its 24-6 home loss against Forsyth on Friday, Sept. 20. The football game featured a storm delay of an hour and half.
Forsyth’s first possession included a fake punt for a first down and driving deep inside Poplar territory. The threat ended when a fumble was recovered by Walker Burshia at the Poplar 22.
The Dogies, however, were soon back in scoring territory as a blocked punt gave them possession at the Poplar five. On first down, Elijah McMillian ran into the end zone with 1:02 left in the first quarter. McMillian, a senior, also ran in the conversion for an 8-0 margin.
The Indians responded by using the running ability of Kaniel Ricker to drive deep inside Forsyth territory. A fourth-down pass completion from Keilen Erickson to Gavyn Grainger produced a first down at the 14. Poplar was unable to get into the end zone though, and the delay due to lightning in the area then occurred.
Forsyth’s second touchdown came on a 54-yard pass play from Gabe Fulton to Lane Schiffer with 1:37 remaining in the half. Fulton ran in the conversion for a 16-0 margin.
The Dogies opened the second half by driving inside Poplar territory, but the Indians denied them on solid plays by Blake Lambert and Burshia.
Poplar started the fourth quarter on a strong note by earning a first down at the Forsyth 33 on a short pass from Erickson to Grainger. A completion from Erickson to Jaizon Grambling was good for 13 yards to the 20.
On third down from the 20, Ricker broke loose for a touchdown run to close the margin to 16-6 with 10:14 remaining. Forsyth responded with a short touchdown run by McMillen. Quarterback Bryan Bidwell raced in for the conversion for a 24-6 margin with 7:13 left.
The Indians will host Circle on Thursday, Sept. 26.
