By Jamie Wachter / Sports Editor
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —
Last year, Union scored with 8 seconds remaining to beat Clarkdale.
Last week, Clarkdale fell behind 27-0 before a fierce rally fell short.
Clarkdale coach Jud Gartman is hoping his Bulldogs have learned from those close losses — as well as those against Kemper County, Pisgah and Enterprise last year.
"I think our guys are excited, they know they played them so close last year," he said. "In fact, we lost that on the last play of the game. That's been on their mind for awhile now. I think they are excited about it.
"It's still Union and it's still over there, but they know that they can play with like they did last year."
Still, he knows that won't be an easy task this week as Clarkdale heads to Union to face a Yellowjackets team that reminds Gartman of a team Clarkdale just saw.
"They look strong up front, and a real good tailback," he added about Forzetra Ealy, who scored Union's lone touchdown last week on a 58-yard run one week after a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown. "He's got good speed.
"They are kind of similar to Enterprise up front."
Aiding the Bulldogs' chances are the adjustments Clarkdale made at halftime against Enterprise, moves that helped shut down the visiting Bulldogs' powerful rushing attack. Another good sign was the rhythm Clarkdale got in with you spread offense in just its second game.
"I think we can build on just the knowledge that if you don't quit, you'll be OK," Gartman said. "But, you just can't give them a big lead in the first half. That's what we learned right there.
"I think our guys can see it. We made some big plays in the last half, some big catches."
Corey Skinner leads Clarkdale's offense with 159 yards rushing in the two games as the Bulldogs have rushed for 379 yards total. Quarterback Micah Redmond has added 43 yards rushing, but two scores, while throwing for 57 yards.
Union lost 30-10 to Choctaw Central last week despite rushing for 300 yards. The Yellowjackets, who are 1-1, were undone by four interceptions.
