A strong first half from the UMS-Wright Bulldogs, led to a 35-14 Andalusia defeat Friday night in Andalusia.

 

UMS got the ball to start the game, and marched down the field for the first score of the contest.

 

Andalusia’s defense started the game strong and got UMS into a fourth-and-5 situation. UMS lined up in a punt formation, but when the punter took the snap he tucked the ball picking up more than 20 yards and a first down.

 

Two big passes from Tanner Allen to Douglas Barber and William Maitre, set UMS up inside the Andalusia 10-yard line.

 

A couple of plays later, Michael Matthews found the end zone from 4 yards out to go up 6-0. After the extra point, UMS was on top 7-0.

 

Andalusia took over and began to drive down the field, but were forced to punt seven plays into the drive.

 

The high-hanging punt from Chase Hopkins was attempted to be fielded by UMS, but an Andalusia player made contact with the player at the same time the ball arrived, jarring the ball loose. Roosevelt Weaver jumped on the loose ball, and Andalusia retained the possession.

 

On a second-down play, senior quarterback Taylor Griffin connected with Derrick McQueen for a 22-yard completion, and an Andalusia first down.

 

Jamal Hourel did the rest, taking the next carry 7 yards down to the 1-yard line. On the next play, Hourel dived into the end zone for a touchdown. Hopkins added the extra point, and tied the contest, 7-7.

 

It didn’t take long for UMS to respond, as they went 63 yards in just more than two minutes for the go-ahead score.

 

Allen hit Matthews on a screen pass, and Matthews raced 17 yards for the touchdown. The extra point gave UMS a 14-7 lead.

 

Andalusia started to drive down the field on their next possession, but were forced to attempt a 45-yard field goal. Hopkins’s kick was blocked at the line, and returned back to midfield by UMS.

 

UMS continued to pound the ground with Matthews, who picked up 51 yards on the drive including a 16-yard touchdown run. The extra point made the score 21-7.

 

Andalusia picked up a quick first down when Griffin hooked with B.J. Anderson for a 13-yard pick up.

 

Griffin picked up 5 yards on the next play, and following the play UMS’s Johnathan Thorton was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and was ejected from the contest.

 

Andalusia then attempted another 45-yard field goal a few plays later, but Hopkins kicked sailed just to the left of the uprights.

 

UMS drove right down the field, and picked up 15-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Cutter Stimpson with 28 seconds left in the half. After the successful extra-point, UMS led 28-7.

 

Andalusia opened up with the ball in the second half, but UMS picked off a pass from Griffin to start the half.

 

The visiting Bulldogs drove down the field, and Kahill Traywick capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. After the extra point, UMS led 35-7.

 

The two teams traded punts over the next several series before Andalusia was able to find the end zone with 7:25 left to go in the game.

 

On the drive, Andalusia picked up 80 yards and six first downs on the drive.

 

James Montgomery capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Hopkins added the extra-point, and the Bulldogs trailed 35-14.

 

Andalusia forced a fumble on UMS’s next series and Ridge Riley jumped on the ball for Andalusia.

 

However, Andalusia was unable to get any points from the turnover.

 

“We didn’t tackle well,” Andalusia head coach Trent Taylor said. “We were in positions to make plays all night, but we just couldn’t wrap up. He (Matthews) is a really good running back.”

 

It wasn’t all bad for the Bulldogs, though, Taylor said.

 

“I was proud of the way we competed in the second half,” Taylor said. “We did some good things tonight. We played aggressive tonight, and if we wrap up and make a play or two, it’s a different ball game. This week, we will get back to work and try to improve for next week.”

 

With the win, the top-ranked UMS-Wright Bulldogs start the season 1-0. Andalusia falls to 1-1 on the season, and will host Trinity next Friday night for the Class 4A Region 2 opener.