Orlando Fl- In a crucial semifinal showdown, the Bolles Bulldogs embarked on a determined journey, traveling to Orlando to face off against the Bishop Moore Hornets in an intense playoff battle. The stakes were high, as both teams vied for a coveted spot in the Class 2M State Final 4 .
The game kicked off with Bishop Moore showcasing early momentum, but a crucial fumble on their own 10-yard line in the first drive provided a pivotal opportunity for the Bolles Bulldogs. Jacob Campen of Bolles seized the moment, recovering the fumble and setting the stage for a fiercely contested matchup.
Bishop Moore fumbles on their 10 yard line! Bolles recovers @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/CdJGcwPlaB
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 25, 2023
Amidst Bishop Moore’s staunch defensive stand against Bolles’ offense, the first quarter concluded with a scoreless deadlock, as both teams grappled to find their rhythm on the field.
However, the Bulldogs wasted no time in breaking the impasse, with DJ Moore threading a precise touchdown pass to Naeem Burroughs early in the second quarter, propelling Bolles to a 7-0 lead. Building on this newfound momentum, Emmett Grzebin surged into the end zone, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 13-0.
DJ Moore pass is complete to Naeem Burroughs for a touchdown!!
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 25, 2023
Bulldogs: 7
Hornets: 0
10:29 in the 2nd quarter @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/UrLCAT91uE
Bolles’ offense, living up to their mantra of “All Gas No Brakes,” continued their relentless drive. DJ Moore’s connection with Chase Collier resulted in a sensational sideline catch for another Bulldog touchdown, further solidifying their lead at 20-0. Ty Neal added more excitement for the Bulldogs as he scored to give them a 27-0 lead over the hornets.
Bolles is following their motto “all gas no brakes” with another touchdown from DJ Moore this time to Chase Collier! @DuvalSports
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 25, 2023
The bulldogs now lead by 20 with less than 4 minutes left in the 2nd quarter! pic.twitter.com/f7jCZhuEqA
As halftime approached, Bolles’ defense continued the momentum as CJ Ennis intercepted a crucial pass. Maintaining their stride into the third quarter, Bolles continued their offensive dominance, with Naeem Burroughs setting up a touchdown shortly before Chase Collier found the end zone once again. Bolles commanded a commanding 34-0 lead.
Start of the 3rd quarter, Naeem Burroughs makes a big catch to set up the touchdown made by Chase Collier!
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 25, 2023
Bolles: 34
Bishop Moore: 0 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/gkAciPS4Kv
However, Bishop Moore managed to find their footing, with Devon St. Clair’s interception injecting some life into the Hornets’ efforts. Ladainian Sweeney’s determined run culminated in Bishop Moore’s first touchdown of the night, narrowing the score to 34-7.
In a spirited fourth quarter push, Bishop Moore’s Gabriel Diaz notched another touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Bolles’ commanding lead, resulting in a final score of 34-14 in favor of the Bulldogs.
Bishop Moore Ladainian Sweeney runs it in to give his team their first touchdown of the night! Score 34-7 with 8 mins left in 4Q @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/NMwhcOC3Ol
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 25, 2023
With this impressive victory, Bolles secured their spot in the Class 2M State Playoffs Semifinals for the fifth consecutive year. The Bulldogs are set to face Norland (13-0) who remains undefeated throughout their season in a highly anticipated match. Norland defeated defending champion Miami Central who were the four time defending champions. Norland will have to face another historical powerhouse in Bolles, who boasts 11 state championships.
Bolles Head Coach and Chase Collier Post Game thoughts. The bulldogs advances to the Class 2M State Playoffs Semifinals for the 5th straight year! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/WUfRBdHqAY
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 25, 2023
Head Coach Matt Toblin has done an incredible job in his fifth year with the team, guiding Bolles every year to this point, and twice to the state championship game. Said Toblin after the 34-14 win over Bishop Moore, “we’re super proud of our kids, the effort and execution they played with, it’s what we pride ourselves on”. Toblin is vying for his fourth state championship appearance as a head coach. He guided Ponte Vedra to the ship in 2018. Bolles last visit was in 2020.
