Published: September 24, 2009 10:31 pm      

Bulldogs seek first road win of year

TAZEWELL, Va. — Location. Location. Location.

Tazewell coach Bobby Wyatt has told his Bulldogs to play as if Friday night’s game was at Witten Field.

The Dogs (2-2, 0-1) take on Southwest District foe Abingdon (1-2, 0-1) at Falcon Field but don’t tell anyone.

“I’d like to convince everyone we are playing at Bulldog Stadium after the results from the first month of this season,” said Wyatt, with a grin. “After the results from the first month of this season. We have figured out how to win at our place and now we need to get a win away from home.”

Tazewell lost 33-14 in SWD opening night play last week at Carroll County while the Falcons were being pounded 58-21 by powerful Richlands at Ernie Hicks Stadium in another case of the host not treating the guest with respect.

A bruising opposition ground game hurt both Tazewell and Abingdon. Carroll rolled up 336 yards on the ground but the Falcons were more porous, allowing 344 yards rushing to the Blue Tornado, which gained a whopping 480 yards of total offense.

“We just did not have a good game,” Abingdon coach John Bowles said. “Richlands had too much speed. We need to do a better job this week.”

Dustin Dean scored both Tazewell touchdowns, one in the first quarter and another in the fourth period. In between, the Bulldogs were not able to get into the end zone.

Falcon quarterback Jacob Hess had a respectable game with 93 yards rushing and a 16-yard touchdown pass to end Corey Spencer. Caleb Widener was also effective at times.

Widener, who scored once on a 15-yard run, also tossed a scoring pass to Spencer, who had two touchdowns for the Falcons.

“Abingdon is like us with their offensive look — both of us run the spread,” Wyatt said. “With Hess, Widener, and Spencer, they definitely have some weapons we need to contain.

“Another fine player for them through the first half of the season has been Zac Crosswhite.”

Cody Lockhart of the Bulldogs, dodging heavy pressure, completed 14 passes for 223 yards against the Cavaliers. More than 100 yards in penalties, including several that halted or slowed Tazewell drives, hampered the Dogs.

Luke Allison, Jon Corner, Lathel Mountain, and Zach Pauley are leading Tazewell in tackles. Shaquille McDonald has anchored the defensive line. Mountain has four kick returns for touchdowns thus far.

“Our defense played very well in our victories and we want to return to that level,” says Wyatt.

Tazewell earned wins over George Wythe and Lebanon at home earlier and are now concentrating on playing that way on the road.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.