By Cheri Thacker
The Bolton Wildcats are play-off bound thanks to a 23-6 thrashing of the Cordova Wolves Friday night. Bolton, winner of three straight, closed their regular season with a record of 6-4.
First quarter play saw two possessions for each side with no score.
The Wildcats defense gave their offense a scoring opportunity with a fumble recovery on a first and goal attempt from the two-yard line by the Wolves. The first score of the game came with 9:34 left in the second when Kal Granderson connected with Sterling Sheppard for a six-yard touchdown reception on a slant. The 11-play, 95-yard drive was advanced by carries split between Greg Williams and Brandon Henderson. The extra point brought the score to 7-0 Wildcats.
Bolton’s defense shut down the Wolves next drive with a three and out. A 38-yard punt set the Wildcats up on their own 36-yard line. Penalties plagued the drive which ended with a 55-yard punt by Sterling Sheppard back to the Cordova Wolves. First half play closed with the score standing at 7-0.
The Wildcats defense came out strong in the second half. Cordova’s fifth drive of the game saw two quarterback sacks with Assante Bowers leading the defensive charge.
The Wildcats put another three on the board with a field goal when the offense couldn’t punch the ball into the end zone with three attempts from less than 10 yards. The score moved to 10-0 with 8:48 left to play in the third quarter.
Penalties committed by the Cordova Wolves and stellar defensive play by the Bolton Wildcats hampered Cordova’s efforts to score the entire second half. The Wolves punted their sixth drive of the game to the Wildcats.
A 41-yard screen pass from Granderson to Darian Nave would set the Wilcats up in first and goal position. Greg Williams would take the handoff into the end zone for a Bolton score. The point after attempt was good and with 4:05 left in the third quarter, Bolton Wildcat’s led 17-0.
With another quick three and out by the Wildcat’s defense, Bolton would drive the ball from mid-field. Cordova’s defense was ineffective against the double running threat of Bolton’s dynamic duo of Henderson and Williams. The final score of the game came when Williams cut inside for a 20-yard touchdown carry. The extra point attempt was no good.
Cordova finally got on the board late in the fourth quarter when quarterback Leonard Holcomb handed off to Evan Luster for the touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good.
