After a one-year break, the Chelsea football team reclaimed its position at the top of the final SEC White conference standings. The Bulldogs secured the outright league title with a 21-14 victory over Jackson on Friday night.
This marks the Bulldogs’ fourth SEC White title in the last five years, only losing their grip on the championship in 2022 when Tecumseh emerged triumphant.
Following an opening-season loss to Grand Rapids Northview, the Bulldogs sealed their sixth consecutive win with this triumph.
Chelsea established a dominant start, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter to swiftly gain a 14-0 advantage.
The Bulldogs began the game with a 65-yard drive, culminating in a five-yard touchdown pass from Luke Anstead to Max Herter.
With the Vikings struggling to overcome Chelsea’s defensive prowess, they were forced into a three-and-out situation, resulting in poor field position for Jackson.
Capitalizing on this advantage, the Bulldogs swiftly advanced, and Tyson Hill powered into the endzone from one yard out, extending their lead to 14-0.
While the Bulldogs dominated the first quarter, Jackson displayed their strength in the second quarter.
Through an effective running game, Jackson orchestrated a long drive and responded with a six-yard touchdown run, reducing the deficit to 14-7.
As the first half drew to a close, the Vikings successfully halted Chelsea’s progress, ultimately tying the game at 14 through a four-yard touchdown run.
Jackson received the second-half kickoff, but Chelsea’s tenacious defense forced a quick three-and-out, granting the Bulldogs possession on their 35-yard line.
Anstead then connected with Herter on a slant pass, resulting in a 55-yard sprint to position Chelsea inside the Vikings’ 20-yard line. This set the stage for Hill’s one-yard touchdown run, propelling the Bulldogs to a 21-14 lead.
The fourth quarter witnessed intense suspense for Chelsea fans, as the Vikings encountered two significant scoring opportunities.
Jackson embarked on a drive towards the end of the third quarter, advancing to the Bulldogs’ five-yard line early in the fourth quarter.
A fumbled shotgun snap by the Vikings’ quarterback provided an opportunity for the Bulldogs to halt the drive, with Regan Plank recovering the ball at the 16-yard line, leaving eight minutes on the clock.
Following a three-and-out by Chelsea, Jackson regained possession with only seven minutes remaining. They managed to advance to the Bulldogs’ ten-yard line, but their hopes were shattered as the Chelsea defense came through, forcing a fourth and nine. The Vikings’ pass into the endzone was deflected by Ethan Collins, returning the ball to Chelsea with just over a minute left.
In the final moments of the game, Hill secured a crucial first down with 38 seconds remaining, rendering Jackson out of timeouts. The Bulldogs assumed victory formation, running down the clock and sealing their Homecoming triumph.
The Bulldogs will host Trenton on Friday night, aiming to avenge their season-opening loss to the Trojans in 2022.
Photos by Mike Williamson
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