For the first time this season, it was the Georgia Military Bulldogs that the home crowd was cheering for and that momentum paid off as the Bulldogs defeated the Valdosta State JV Blazers 45-9 Thursday at Davenport field.

After a quick three and out by the Blazers offense, the Bulldogs drove the field on several big pass plays to wideout Brandon Nolley and runs by Steven Robinson. A penalty cancelled the Bulldogs initial score on a Dallas Walker pass to Chleb Ravenell, but two plays later Robinson punched it in for a 7-0 lead.

Free safety Jakar Hamilton picked off a pass on the Blazers next series which set up a Franklin Green rush for the two score lead.

A sack by T.J. Lynch highlighted the next defensive stand for the Bulldogs to end the first quarter.

Quarterback Joei Fiegler got a chance to show himself at the start of the second and wasted no time hitting a wide open Ravenell down the right sideline for a six.

“Everything kind of came together tonight. Coach really harped on us starting strong. Joei and I went back to rotating this week and he came in and made some real nice plays and the offensive line did a nice job blocking. We got a couple big run plays. The defense played well like always,” said Walker who enjoyed not having to travel before playing the game.

“Some of us didn’t know how to react not having to get on the bus and having a little bit extra time. We weren’t rushed. It was nice, plus a good turnout for the first home game. We really enjoyed it especially after being on the road for 5 straight weeks.”

After the extra point, the Bulldogs kicked off and forced the Blazers to fumble to which Roy Mangram scooped it up and put GMC up another touchdown 28-0 early in the second quarter.

The Blazers finally got things going on the next drive and were able to manage a field goal after a pass interference call put them within range.

The Bulldogs offense went back to work on the next drive. A long pass to Jerry Gross set up Robinson’s second score of the game. That score of 35-3 would finish off the half.

After the game, head coach Bert Williams said that sometimes the toughest decision is who to give the ball to with so many good athletes.

“We’ve got a lot of talent and we’re blessed. The toughest thing is to be able to spread the ball around. There are guys that deserve the ball and deserve touches and there are only so many plays in the game to try and do it. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of spreading the ball around. And they’re all team players. Nobody’s griping about wanting more touches.”

The Bulldogs pulled off the gas in the second half playing backups and others, but a Weldon Watts punt block that was returned by Willie Gibson would give the Bulldogs its second special teams touchdown of the game.

“We really take pride in our special teams having that swagger. The way they push in practice. To see it really pay off really gives this team a boost,” Walker said.

With the short week leading into Thursday’s game, the 5-1 Bulldogs will have a few extra days to prepare for next week’s game at Nassau in New York.