They had heard how Dunbar was the top dog in the city.... How they couldn't defeat, or even think about defeating the Wolverines...How all of Dunbar players are headed to big schools.....The social media trash talk....The blame for what happened last year.
And on and on.
Before the game Coach White and the Bison were pretty calm, while Dunbar was riled up, ready for war.
Coach Earl White and the Belmont staff came up with a precise game plan to stop the All-American candidate in Jojo Scates. However, they were also able to shut down the running game and Oklahoma commit Tavion Thomas, hound the QB all night with pressure from the front line, and with it the Bison ended the losing streak against the Dunbar Wolverines, in convincing fashion no less 42-0 Thursday night at Welcome Stadium.
While there were a few stars that we thought could be game changers it was the O and D line that delivered the difference - along with the Dayton HS Sports Player of the Game in Elijah Malcolm, who rushed for over 100+ with 4 scores on the night.
When I asked Malcolm how it feels to finally beat Dunbar?
"Can't describe the feeling" as he looked in shock himself to what had just happened.
Coach White and the Belmont staff had a game plan, and it worked to near perfection.
Belmont received the ball after Dunbar deferred, and the Bison had had a nice time consuming 1st drive which ended up inside the 10, but no points.
After a Dunbar punt, Belmont then marched back down and scored on a 2-yard Elijah Malcolm run.
Belmont, known for its signature Wing T offense, was able to get nice running holes for Malcolm and 2 way star Dawson Martin, who also had a good game as well.
By the time Dunbar had got into Belmont territory they were already down 22-0.
Jaden Rucker Furlow, the Miami (Ohio) commit, also grabbed a INT on the night and was the leader of a fast moving, hard hitting defense that kept Dunbar off track the entire night. Even when it looked as if Dunbar would score, the Bison tightened up, thwarting a goal line try for Dunbar late in the game to preserve the shutout.
The Bison didn't attempt a pass until the end of the 1st half, and by that time?
It was already 22-0.
Coach Powell and the Dunbar nation was suprised, and hurt, but knows there is still hope for a good season.
But on this Season Opener in 2017-18?
The Belmont Bison showed up and showed out. And let it be known, that any plans for a SWOPL championship will go through the Bison.
On a positive note, the event was well attended, no fighting or negative vibes. And it maybe was the 10 biggest football crowds in DPS history.
There was tailgating, dancing, and a great atmosphere for the event. After it was over the coaches and players shook hands and gave respect.
AD Mark Baker and Superintendent Rhonda Corr both attended the event and Corr gave her congrats to the Bison nation on the big win.
Dunbar will face Ponitz next week while Belmont will head on the road next week.
Top 5 Games of Week 1
With HS Football kicked off for most all the teams, here's our Top 5 Games of Week 1
Troy @ Trotwood Can Troy pull off another upset like they did last season?
The Rams are experienced and will be ready.
Wayne @ Highland Prep Pitt (Sunday) Can Wayne go to a perennial Pennsylvania powerhouse and win? Star WR L'Christian Blue Smith will make announcement prior to game. All the event will be televised on ESPN on Sunday
Danville @ Ponitz Can Ponitz withstand one of the best teams in Kentucky in perennial power Danville?
Piqua @ Meadowdale Piqua will not be a happy team, as they were shut out of the playoffs last year because of the Dunbar Belmont fiasco. Fast forward and they get to take on the Lions, who has a new coach and a new regime in the Lions den.
Could be a long night for Meadowdale.
Springfield Shawnee @ Thurgood (Saturday)
Can the Cougars get off to a good start against a tough opponent. Shawnee will be ready to go against a young but talented Thurgood team.
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