Bad blood from a previous tournament was evident in the Steel South game as the BULLDOGS defeated TEAM UPDAWG, 14-13, to keep pace with REIGN in the division.

The BULLDOGS’ quarterback Eugene Smith, and TEAM UPDAWG quarterback Steve Menosky had words directed at each other throughout the game, but it was Smith who spoke last after.

“They get mad at me because I know the rules. The BULLDOGS were the first team in the PFFL,” he said. “If you want to be the captain of a team, you better know the rules of the league.”

The BULLDOGS got off to a fast start, as Smith found Zack Gorney on the first play of the game for a touchdown. However, neither team scored for the remainder of the half.

TEAM UPDAWG got possession in the second half, but Menosky threw a costly interception to Rue Hutchinson. On the next play, Smith found Eric Cox deep for the touchdown to take a commanding lead, 14-0.

The game was not over, however, as Menosky found a streaking Andrew Stiffleman down the middle of the field for a long gain. The pass helped set-up a Brandon Carter touchdown reception, cutting the BULLDOGS lead to, 14-7.

The BULLDOGS were stopped on the goal-line during its next possession, and TEAM UPDAWG capitalized. It scored on an Andrew Stiffleman touchdown pass to Carter, making it a one-point game.

TEAM UPDAWG played for the win, and decided to go for the two-point conversation. The attempt failed, and the BULLDOGS escaped the near upset.

After the game, Smith was clear about what his team had in mind for the remainder of the season.

“We’re looking forward to playing REIGN again,” he said. “We’re the only team that scored on them.”