The Sweet Water Bulldogs took care of business in the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs, beating Goshen by a final score of 46-0.

The game started slow on both sides. Sweet Water head coach Stacy Luker gave the credit to Goshen’s defense.

“[Goshen] had a good game plan,” Luker said. “They obviously prepared well and their boys were extremely motivated. We’re just glad to be past the first round and moving in the right direction. The important thing for us is to stay focused on what we can do and not get caught looking ahead.”

Sweet Water won the coin-toss and deferred to the second half. Both teams started slow offensively, trading punts throughout the first quarter, until Sweet Water’s Demarcus Gamble scored on a 3 yard run to break the ice with 6:35 left in the second quarter.

The extra point was good, kicked by Tristan Weatherly.

After a Goshen punt, the Bulldog offense continued to run the ball, culminating in a Daniel Sewell touchdown with 4:28 left in the half.

A penalty on the extra point pushed the kick back and it was missed, making the score 13-0.

On the ensuing Goshen possession, Deangelo Orum fumbled a low snap, which was recovered by Kyle Patterson at the Goshen 17 yard line.

The turnover quickly turned to points for Sweet Water when Jakoby Aldridge scored with 3:32 left in the first half. The extra point by Weatherly was good, making the score 20-0 Sweet Water.

After a three and out, Sweet Water partially blocked the Goshen punt and maintained good field position at the Goshen 31 with 1:36 left. Sewell scored his second touchdown of the night to make the half time score 26-0.

The second half was more of the same, with the Bulldogs dominating on both sides of the ball.

Jakoby Aldridge had 172 yards on 20 carries to lead all rushers in the game.

Daniel Sewell had 96 yards on 6 carries and Demarcus Gamble contributed 95 yards on 15 carries.

Goshen head coach Bart Snyder said that this game is about the future for the Eagles.

“We have great seniors and are proud of what they have done for us,” he said. “But, this game had more to offer to the underclassmen. Sweet Water has a great program, and it’s good for them to see how it’s done even if we lose in the process. These things don’t happen overnight and we look forward to our future.”