Photo by Brian Paglia / Dutchtown quarterback Donovahn Jones (7) is tackled by Henry County linebacker Horrace Bearden (31) after a short gain Friday in the Bulldogs' 35-6 victory at home.

HAMPTON — Blending a punishing ground game and a solid defense against Henry County’s pass-happy offense, Dutchtown posted its first win of the season, 35-6 over the visiting Warhawks.

The Bulldogs (1-1) rushed 39 times for 406 yards and five touchdowns. Thirteen of the runs went for double-digit yardage. The Bulldog defense contained the air attack of Henry County, allowing just one pass for over 13 yards.

Henry County remains winless in two tries for the season, despite flashing signs of future excitement with underclassmen manning most of the skill positions. Junior quarterback Tony Freeman II completed 16 of 24 passes for 132 yards. Freeman, however, was sacked seven times.

Henry County’s lone touchdown came on 4-yard touchdown run by junior Sedrick Palmer late in the second quarter.

But the big story of the night was Dutchtown’s running backs. Will Smith led them with 134 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Donovahn Jones scored three touchdowns on seven carries, accounting for 124 yards. Sophomore Malik Barkley (11 rushes for 75 yards and one touchdown), Dejuan Smith (six runs for 33 yards), and backup running back Christian Palmer (two fourth quarter runs for 30 yards) all turned in solid efforts.

Dutchtown scored on its first possession, driving 55 yards in five plays and finding paydirt with Smith from the 6. The Bulldogs nearly scored on their next possession, but Henry County’s Horrace Bearden intercepted a pass in the end zone to stop the threat. Dutchtown’s next touchdown came at 6:55 of the second, when Jones scampered in from the 17. A big 38-yard pass play (Freeman-to-Dieonte Bryant) keyed the Warhawks’ touchdown drive, making the score 14-6 with 3:21 left in the half. Dutchtown made it 21-6 at the half, after Jones went up the middle for 3 yards with 68 seconds left.

The Bulldogs completely controlled the second half, scoring on a 38-yard Jones run around right end at 5:50 of the third and on a Barkley 13-yard sweep right on the second play of the fourth period. Sophomore kicker Ryan Kangiser was a perfect on five extra-point tries, but he missed a 23-yard field-goal attempt in the fourth. Devin Randolph led the Bulldog defense with nine tackles, three for losses.

Palmer led the Warhawks’ running attack with 13 carries for 59 yards, and Bearden led the defense with six tackles.

— Robert L. Jones, Special to the Daily