The Ravenna defense stopped a go-ahead two point conversion with 4:26 left in the game as the Bulldogs outlasted Beal City 21-20 in their season opener.
The Bulldogs wasted little time opening the score, as Drew Mabrito hauled in a 90-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Beebe. Hunter Hogan converted the PAT, as the Bulldogs took a 7-0 lead with 9:42 left in the first quarter.
Beal City responded with 1:23 left in the first half. Cade Block punched in a one yard touchdown run and Cayden Smith converted the PAT to tie the game 7-7.
The Bulldogs retook the lead as Beebe tossed an 18-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Hogan as time expired in the first half. Hogan converted the PAT and the Bulldogs took a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Beebe punched in a one yard touchdown run with 3:47 left in the third quarter. Hogan once again converted the PAT, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 21-7.
Beal City cut the lead in half when Jamisen Latham rushed for a touchdown from four yards out. Cayden Smith converted the PAT, cutting the Bulldog lead to 21-14.
With 4:26 left in the game Beal City’s Cade Block picked up a fumble and returned it 17-yards for a touchdown. Beal City decided to go for the lead, but were stopped by the Bulldogs defense on the ensuing two-point try.
Kyle Beebe finished the game 11-for-16 passing for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Beebe also recorded a rushing touchdown.
Clay Schullo paced the Bulldog ground attack picking up 89 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Drew Mabrito led all Bulldog receivers with five catches for 119 yards, while Hunter Hogan grabbed three passes for 46 yards.
Brandon McFarren anchored the Bulldogs defense with 10 tackles while Zeke Thompson finished the evening with seven tackles and Grant Becklin hauled in an interception.
With the win the Bulldogs start the season 1-0, and will next host Shelby on Thursday in a West Michigan Conference matchup.
