With the smell of fair popcorn lingering in the background, the Bulldogs, sponsored by Jimmy’z Barber Shop, punctuated one of the finest seasons in Baldwin County Youth Football history by beating the Gators 16-0 Thursday.

The win was the Bulldogs’ 12th of the season — a season in which the team has only given up 12 total points to opposing teams. The Bulldogs’ defense was nothing short of remarkable in 2009, and the performance Thursday was just as flawless as the Bulldogs heightened their intensity whenever the Gators appeared to threaten.

The 11- to 12-year-old teams really battled it out, and the Gators, sponsored by Bonnor Heating & Cooling, came out and stalled the Bulldog’s ferocious offense as the opening quarter wore on.

The Gators would also get things moving in the first quarter behind the legs of star Timmy Dixon. After Dixon sprinted for a long run to put his team into scoring position, the Bulldog coaches began to rev-up the players, who appeared sluggish early on.

“Watch the pass! We didn’t get this far to lose this thing!” yelled one of the coaches as the Bulldog defense held the Gators on a huge goal line stand with 1:48 to go in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs were led on offense Thursday by all-purpose quarterback Felix Jones, as well as all-purpose playmaker Latraious Saulsbury who sprinted for a long run on the Bulldogs opening possession. Isaac Wilson would then get in on the action and help move the chains before Saulsbury took off on another fine run. Jones would then take it into the end zone on the next play and the Bulldogs led 8-0 with 5:57 to go in the first half. Jones would also barrel his way through Gator defenders for the two-point conversion.

On the Gators next drive, Wilson would make a leaping tackle to prevent the offense from advancing before teammate Trevan Gresham came through with a timely fumble recovery to give the Bulldogs another drive deep in Gator territory.

As soon as the Bulldogs set into their offensive stance, Jones quickly snapped the ball and found wideout Saulsbury in the back of the end zone for a score. Saulsbury made an incredible leaping grab to secure the ball and was able to get his feet down within the plane.

Jones would then take it in on another keeper and the Bulldogs were sittin’ pretty, 16-0 at halftime.

Jones would electrify the crowd again to open the third as he returned the kickoff 50 yards to set up his team once again.

The Bulldogs’ rushing attack continued to grind out precious clock as the final half wore on. The Gators and Dixon would continue to move the ball well in the second half, but the Bulldog defense was intent on a shutout. As the final horn sounded, the Bulldogs capped off their 12-0 season with another awe-inspiring defensive showing.

Nobody was prouder after the game than Bulldogs coach Termaine Mosley, who was in a whirlwind of happiness on the Rec. Department’s upper field after the joyous victory.

“They did good — they did good all season long. We finished off with a perfect season,” said Mosley. “We had a big shutout in the Super Bowl. I’m really proud of the defense. They just did a good job all year round.”