Lions fall behind early, remain winless
October 23, 2010

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

ROYSE CITY -- Royse City's Bulldogs jumped out to a 42-7 halftime lead and then cruised to a 49-14 victory over the winless Greenville Lions on Friday night.

The Bulldogs stayed in the running for a playoff berth in District 13-4A, upping their season record to 2-6 and district mark to 2-2.

Greenville dropped to 0-8 and 0-4.

Royse City capitalized on excellent position in the first half to build its big lead.

The Bulldog possessions started from their 48 (touchdown), the Greenville 41 (touchdown), Greenville 28 (interception), Greenville 37 (touchdown), Greenville 36 (punt), Greenville 28 (touchdown), Royse City 36 (touchdown) and Greenville 32 (touchdown).

Royse City scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 52-yard pass from quarterback Taylor Corbin to wide receiver Taylor Pollock.

The Bulldogs next went 41 yards in seven plays to make it 14-0, capped by Corbin's 8-yard run.

Anthony Davis of Greenville stopped Royse City's third threat with an interception in the end zone but ran it out and was tackled on his own 4-yard line.

Royse City set up business at the Greenville 37 following a 32-yard punt. Running back Jonathan Burns finished that drive off with a 3-yard run.

Dylan Funderburk set up the Bulldogs' 28-yard drive with an interception. Burns ran 11 yards and after Sterling Mullen's kick the Bulldogs owned a 28-0 lead with 6:28 left before the half.

The Lions then answered with one of their best drives of the season, marching 77 yards in eight plays. Jeffro Davis connected with wide receiver Jaquentin Patt on three straight completions of 38, 8 and 3 yards to move the ball to the Royse City 40. Then Mikey Riskey spelled Davis at quarterback and lofted a 29-yard strike to Patt. Alfred Champion scored on the very next play, muscling his way through a big pack at the line of scrimmage to dash 11 yards for the Lions' third rushing touchdown of the season. Omar Espinoza's kick made it 28-7.

Burns broke loose twice for two more quick Royse City touchdowns before the first half ended. The 5-11, 205-pound senior took a short pass from Corbin 64 yards for one touchdown and then dashed 32 yards for the next touchdown after Funderburk intercepted another Greenville pass.

Royse City increased its lead to 49-7, taking its opening possession 72 yards in six plays. Corbin froze the Lion defense with a fake handoff before dashing 46 yards for the touchdown. The Bulldogs' junior quarterback finished with 45 yards on five carries and was 7-of-12 passing for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Greenville dented the final margin with a 71-yard, 12-play drive in the fourth quarter. The Lions took turns running the football with Riskey at quarterback and Champion and Justin Casselberry at the running backs. Champion ran five yards for the touchdown with 1:48 remaining and Espinoza converted. Champion finished with 64 yards on 19 carries for the Lions. Burns led the Bulldogs with 80 yards on just nine carries and two receptions for 71 yards.