The Dawgs got the ball first, but were held to a quick three-and-out by a stingy Hogs defense.

The Hogs started quickly on offense, marching down the field and capitalizing on a 1-yard touchdown run by Thayne Gourley. The Hogs were unable to convert the extra-point attempt and settled for an early 6-0 lead.

The first half consisted of several changes in possession by both teams as the Hogs defense held the Dawgs offense scoreless and the Dawgs defense bounced back to keep the score at 6-0 heading into the half.

Both teams returned from the halftime break and showed their resilience as both defenses kept the opposition scoreless through several drives.

Photo by Mandie Englert Bentlee Moore’s extra-point catch gives the Warren Dawgs the lead on Sunday.

The Dawgs drove down the field nearing the end of the third quarter, getting inside the red zone. However, a fumble near the goal line was scooped up by Cooper Nobles and returned 60 yards before a game-saving tackle by Tanner Stuart. The Dawgs defense held strong and forced another three-and-out.

As the fourth quarter ticked away, the Dawgs offense put together a strong drive to again push toward the Hogs’ end zone. Grant May took a pitch around the right side to get down to the Hogs 1-yard line. On the ensuing play, the Dawgs offense lined up for a potentially game-tying score.

A fumbled snap under center was picked up by Dawgs quarterback Tanner Stuart and he scampered to the left side untouched to pick up a game-tying touchdown.

The Dawgs then lined up for the extra-point attempt. Blake Peterson took a pitch wide to the left and punched in for the score, however a Dawgs penalty negated the score and backed them up to the 14-yard line.

The Dawgs didn’t wither as Stuart took the ensuing snap and tossed a strike to Bentlee Moore, pushing the Dawgs ahead to a 7-6 lead.

Submitted Photo The Warren Dawgs’ Tanner Stuart escapes a Warren Hogs defender Sunday.

However, the game was far from over as the Hogs quickly picked up several first downs on throws from Ty Bryan to Parker Kiser. Once again, the Dawgs defense stepped up as Jeremiah Lyon high-pointed a throw and came down with the interception.

The Hogs defense continued their strong showing by holding the Dawgs to a three-and-out. With just under three minutes to play, the Hogs offense again took over near midfield.

Bryan again led the Hogs offense down the field, despite constant pressure by the staunch Dawgs defense.

As the clock wore down, the Dawgs defense again stepped up as May intercepted a pass to seal the game for the Dawgs.

Bryan finished with 83 yards passing and 48 yards on the ground. Gourley tacked on 27 rushing yards and 6 receiving yards, along with the Hogs lone score. Parker Kiser gained 7 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards while Wyatt Wilson added 40 receiving yards. Jayden Richards and Tucker Sanford led the sturdy Hogs defense in tackles.

For the Dawgs, Stuart led the team offensively with 100 rushing yards, 49 passing yards, a touchdown run and a PAT pass. Collin Havers followed up with 55 rushing yards, May put up 31 rushing yards, and both Connor Smith and Peterson finished with 8 rushing yards apiece. Moore finished the game with 21 receiving yards and the PAT conversion. Defensively, Stuart led the team with eight tackles, a forced fumble and two sacks. Nate Harris added six tackles. Peterson and Collin Havers had four tackles apiece, while Chase Raub had three tackles and two sacks. Owen Damcott also added three tackles. Moore finished his day with two tackles and three pass defenses. May and Lyon each had two tackles and an interception for the Dawgs.

The Dawgs (3-1) take on the Bradford Raptors at home on Sunday while the Hogs will hit the road to battle the Smethport Lil Hubs on Saturday.