Bulldogs Wrangle Mavericks

The Bellingham Bulldogs were host to a familiar opponent Saturday, May 31 at Civic Field. The Yakima Mavericks made the long journey from the middle of Washington to continue their long-standing rivalry. With Toby Seim still out with an injured knee, the Bulldogs offense needed to step up quickly to establish a lead over the cunning Mavericks. Quarterback Eric Taylor was back under center, although Yakima's secondary did show their ability to take away passing lanes, it did not take long for Taylor to find his wide receivers. The Bulldogs jumped ahead with a touchdown pass from Taylor to Jacob Bartel early in the second quarter.

Bellingham's defense stood firm as a determined Yakima offense attempted to establish their running attack. The ball changed possession often. The Mavericks took advantage of a interception deep in their territory and scored a touchdown to tie the score late in the second. But the Bulldogs struck back quickly with a 41-yard touchdown run after the catch from Taylor to Cody Oakes, giving Bellingham a 14-7 halftime lead.

Yakima began moving the ball down field in the second half but the Bulldogs defense would prove to be too much for the Maverick to break through. Bellingham stopped several drives short of the goal line as the Bulldogs offensive line kept up their dominance allowing Taylor to scramble and throw at will. After the Bulldogs scored on another touchdown pass and kicked a 36-yard field goal in the third Yakima finally saw the end zone again. Scoring on a 49-yard touchdown pass in the fourth bring the score to 24-14.

Eric Taylor would respond with a 65-yard scramble for a touchdown. Both sides would trade turnovers on downs before Taylor would again find Oakes in the end zone for a 10-yard score. The Bulldogs defense would add insult to injury, forcing a fumble which was picked up by Caleb Rodriguez who scored their final touchdown. Yakima added a 10-yard touchdown pass but the damage had been done. Final score: 45-21. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Streak Continues

The Bellingham Slam won their sixth game in a row Monday, May 26^th at Whatcom Pavilion against the Vancouver Volcanoes. The victory marks their seventh overall win and puts their 2014 International Basketball League regular season record at 7-2. Bellingham gained the lead early in the first period and did not let the Volcanoes with in ten-points of the lead the entire game. Morris Anderson lead all Slam scores with 29 points followed by first-year guard Sam Freeman who contributed 24 points. Final score: 127-110. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs temper Rampage

The Bellingham Bulldogs look to bounce back after suffering a 12-38 loss last week to the Seattle Stations. Cody Oakes continues to take snaps under center in relief of the injured Eric Taylor as injuries to key players have left the Bulldogs roster thin and fresh faces were called upon to setup their game. The Roseburg Rampage made the 7 hour, 440 mile trip to Civic Field and prove their worth in the Pacific Northwest football arena.

The Bellingham offense did not take long to find their rhythm. Scoring quickly and often the Bulldogs used their air attack to put a 21-point lead on the board in the first quarter. Oakes found 3 different receivers for touchdowns. Bellingham's defense dominated the line of scrimmage, not allowing a sustained Rampage drive the entire first half. By halftime the Bulldogs lead 28-0 and as the third quarter began Bellingham had their confidence back.

Oakes again showed his talents by scrambling for a 60-yard touchdown and throwing three more touchdowns to his receivers. Including three touchdowns to wide receiver Douglas Miller. The Bulldogs defense shut Roseburg out of the endzone. Not allowing a single point to be scored. The game was in hand. The Rampage were out-manned, over-powered and out-coached.

The Bellingham fans were also treated to a rare on-field cameo appearance by the Bulldogs coaching staff who decided to suit-up for a few plays. Coaches Brian Young, James Darling, Addison Perrin and General Manager Don Oneida made their way onto the field. The proud Bellingham Bulldogs have their swagger and look to making a run at the playoffs. Final score: 55-0. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Stop Two-game Losing Skid with Win Over Reign

The Bellingham Slam move regain their footing with a rout over the Olympia Reign Friday, May 9th at Whatcom Pavilion. Bellingham had the upper hand early, jumping out to a twelve-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The Reign never came with-in ten points of the lead the entire game. Slam forward Nick Moore lead all scores with 31 points. The win evens the Slam at 2-2 on the season. Final score: 139-106. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Overcome Injuries to Win Big

The Bellingham Bulldogs squared off against a familiar opponent Saturday, May 3rd at Civic Field. The Grays Harbor Bearcats roll into town looking to snap a three-game losing skid. Bellingham, winning their last two, are looking to make a bid for the number one seed in the Pacific Football League North Division and solidify their spot in the PFL Playoffs.

The first quarter saw the Bulldogs offense still struggling to establish their long tradition of a dominate running game. Forcing Bellingham to throw the ball, the Bearcats grabbed an early interception that resulted in a touchdown. Offensive miscues continue to plague the Bulldogs but a powerhouse wide receiver core make up for any deficiencies.

The Bulldogs defense squashes every attempt at a sustained Bearcats drive with a combination of pass rushing and blanket down-field coverage, knocking down passes and intercepting the ball on several attempts. This allows Bellingham to let loose their passing attack and score three unanswered touchdowns through the air in the first half. Quarterback Eric Taylor connects with all of his receivers including Toby Seim for one touchdown and Cody Oakes for two more before the half.

The second half unfortunately saw injuries to key players but the Bulldogs offensive juggernaut found its stride. Bulldozing the Bearcats defensive line with key runs by fullback Justin Heard. Cody Oakes stepped up under center to lead Bellingham on a second half beat down of the Bearcats. Using a combination passing and scrambling, Oakes marched the Bulldogs down field, finding his backup receivers on multiple occasions. The end result culminating in a 31-yard touchdown pass to Toby Seim in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs defense stood firm the entire game. Not allowing a single Bearcats offensive score, reminding the PFL of their past domination and on-going potential to be the best in the league. Final score: 35-7. Click here to view photos from the game.