Bulldogs win Yadkin Valley 1A, Head to Playoffs

COVID-19 has made the last two football seasons anything but “normal” for the AHS Bulldogs football program. But after a spring season that saw the ‘Dogs play a total of 3 out of 7 scheduled contests, an offseason that saw the program have to battle through COVID restrictions, and a fall regular season that included a two-week shut down, a cancelled game, and a 3 week quarantine for their head coach and one of their QBs, the Bulldogs found their way to a destination that feels normal: the state playoffs.

The Bulldogs play in the Yadkin Valley Conference, which is a split 1A/2A conference, meaning that 3 of the 6 schools — JM Robinson, Mt. Pleasant, and North Stanly — participate in 2A action based on their total enrollment — and that the other three — Albemarle, South Stanly, and Union Academy — participate in 1A action. To win the 1A side of the conference and lock down a playoff bid, the ‘Dogs had to take care of business against South Stanly & Union Academy — and they did just that.

The Bulldogs beat South Stanly 14-0 on the road on a rainy night behind a pick-6 from sophomore Jason Wall and a 55 yard touchdown run by junior CJ Ellis, who was set free on the play by a huge block from sophomore Jaylen Pinckney.

A couple of weeks later the ‘Dogs hosted Union Academy and behind the strong running of junior Yiterain Pergee as well as an explosive four touchdown day (1 special teams, 3 offensive) from Jaylen Pinckney, won the 1A side of the conference going away by a final score of 46-20. Union Academy scored a late TD to account for the final score.

In the last COVID-19-free season, the Bulldogs built a ton of momentum with a strong finish to the season, including running over Hayesville 55-7 in the opening round of the playoffs.

The momentum was broken up by COVID-19, but the ‘Dogs are building it back.

This Friday, the Bulldogs travel back to to the mountains for the opening round of the playoffs looking to repeat the Hayesville experience.

At 7:30 Friday, the ‘Dogs will take on the Mountain Heritage High School Cougars.

Mountain Heritage is located in Burnsville, NC.

We encourage you to make the trip! Join the ‘Dogs!

#BulldogPride