The No. 5 Andalusia Bulldogs (6-1, 4-0) greatly increased their chances at making the playoffs when the traveled to Union Springs on Friday night and laid the hammer down on Bullock County with a 38-16 victory.

“This is just one of those games that you are just glad it’s over,” Bulldogs’ coach Trent Taylor said. “The kids did exactly what they needed to do. We tried some different things on offense, and the most important thing was that we go to give a lot of younger guys a good bit of playing time.”

Jamal Hourel got the ball on the first play of the game, and busted out for 33 yards to start the game. Two plays later, Hourel bounced outside and went 34 yards for the touchdown. Chase Hopkins’s extra point split the uprights and put the Bulldogs on top 7-0.

The Andalusia defense wouldn’t allow Bullock County any room to move on their opening possession.

After a punt from Bullock County, it was back to the Hourel show, as he then reeled off a 39-yard touchdown run on the very next play.

The Bulldogs were unable to find the end zone on their next possession, but they did pick up three points when Hopkins split the uprights from 32 yards to give Andalusia a 17-0 lead.

Andalusia’s defense continued to give Bullock County fits, and wouldn’t give up an inch.

“I really thought our defense played outstanding all night,” Taylor said.

Bullock County forced the Bulldogs to punt on the next possession, but the Bulldogs turned right around and forced the same from Bullock County.

On the next drive for Andalusia, quarterback Taylor Griffin scampered into the end zone from 10 yards out. The extra point from Hopkins game the Bulldogs 24-0 lead.

In the second half, the Bulldogs went with mostly younger guys and continued to put points on the board. In the second half, Andalusia got scores from Michael Landrum and TreMayne Stoudemire.

“At times tonight, I thought we played a little sloppy,” Taylor said. “But the kids did what the needed to do to take care of the football game. The offensive line did a great job again tonight, and they were outstanding in pass protection. I thought our defense got after it pretty well all night.”

Andalusia will be back at home next Friday night when Headland comes to town for a Class 4A, Region 2 contest.