Going into the contest with Marmaton Valley last Friday night, both teams had only been dealt one loss this season. What started out looking like it was going to be an ugly defeat for the Bulldogs quickly turned into a shootout.
Marmaton Valley scored on the opening drive and did so quickly. In fact, the Wildcats were able to score easily three times before the Bulldogs got things going.
After getting down 0-22, Senior Cory Yowell got in for his first score of the night and got the Bulldogs on the board with 1:10 left in the opening quarter.
The second quarter started much like the first with a quick score by the Wildcats, putting them back down by 22.
This time it would be Quarterback Cooper Luthi with the score, bringing it to 12-28.
While the Bulldogs were able to stop the high-powered offense of Marmaton Valley the next drive, Madison fumbled which led to a scoop and score, leaving the Bulldogs trailing 12-36.
Another quarterback keeper was keeping Madison alive as Luthi scored again, but the Wildcats struck back with 17 seconds left in the half and left Madison trailing 2044.
This is where the fun began.
Mason McDonald got into the end zone quickly to open the second half and from there it was back and forth.
Luthi connected with Mason Martin for another Bulldog touchdown. The extra two by Yowell brought it to 36-50.
Another Wildcat touchdown was answered by Yowell with a nice catch for a touchdown that started to make things interesting.
A huge interception at a pivotal moment by Luthi set up another Yowell touchdown and a McDonald extra two pulling the Bulldogs to within one possession of the Wildcats.
The Bulldog defense stepped up in a big way and took over on downs. With 4 seconds left in the third quarter, Madison tied it up with a Yowell touchdown and Luthi scoring the extra two.
Every play was crucial in the fourth. The excitement and tension was building for both teams.
Marmaton Valley got the first score of the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs were ready for the battle. Luthi found Yowell yet again for a 20-yard touchdown pass. Luthi took it in for the extra two and it was knotted up again at 66.
With 3 minutes to go, Madison recovered a fumble which turned out to be a costly mistake for the Wildcats. The next play, Luthi broke away for a 35yard run for the score giving the Bulldogs their first lead of the game at 74-66.
Marmaton Valley was able to find the end zone one final time as the clock was ticking down, but they were denied the extra points and Madison won the shoot out behind 5 touchdowns from Yowell.
With the Bulldogs trailing by 24 at the half, they went on to score 50 points in the second. This victory moves the Bulldogs to 5-1 and will host St. Paul this Friday, Oct. 18.
