The Quitman Bulldogs used a rugged defense and a couple big plays on offense to subdue Cumby and begin the Shane Webber era with a 23-6 win, their first victory since the opening game of 2018.

“It was a good win,” Webber said. “The kids played hard and we did have some mistakes, but we can correct those. Overall, I saw a lot of good things during the game and I saw some good things on film. The win itself is a great feeling. To know that what we have been preaching since January when I got here is coming to fruition. The kids continue to believe a little more and they can walk a little bit taller with that monkey off their back and now we can relax and just play. We are not going downtown to have a parade. We are going to get ready for Scurry-Rosser.”

The Bulldog defense completely shut down Cumby in the first half while the offense used a pair of big plays and a punishing ground game to take a 23-0 lead into halftime.

Cumby took the second half kick-off and methodically drove 57 yards to make it 23-6 early in the third quarter. The Bulldog defense regrouped and kept the Trojans off the scoreboard.

As time in the first quarter was winding down, Bulldog quarterback Ford Tannebaum gave the ball to his brother Jack Tannebaum who turned what looked like a short gain into the season’s first score. Jack Tannebaum took the hand-off on the left and began a journey through the Cumby defense, faking out defenders and crossing the field to complete a 56-yard jaunt to the end zone. The brothers teamed up again for the two-point conversion to make it an 8-0 first quarter lead.

The Bulldogs continued to use their running attack to eat up yardage and take time off the clock.

Cumby had backed the Bulldogs on their own 13-yard line. After six running plays Ford Tannebaum hit receiver Ethan Presley and the talented receiver did the rest racing 74 yards for a score with 6:40 to go in the half. Ford Tannebaum ran in the two-point conversion and Quitman was up 16-0.

The Bulldogs added another score on a 27-yard run by Ford Tannebaum who also tacked on the point after kick to make it 23-0 with 1:24 left in the first half. Thomas Sebedra made sure Cumby did not come back as he intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards before he was caught as time ran out in the first half.

After Cumby scored at the first of the third quarter, the Bulldogs shut down the two-point conversion. The defense took over and held the Trojans scoreless.

“We are not going to hang our hat on one win,” Webber said. “We had some kids who stepped up. For a kid who hadn’t played in two years, Mason Reynolds showed up and played great on both sides of the ball. And look at Ethan Reynolds. He is one of those kids that said ‘put me anywhere I just want to win’ so we moved him to guard on offense and he did a great job.”

Webber said he was proud of the offensive line.

“Our center Hayden Batchelder could play at any level,” he said. “He is one of the best centers around. But the rest of the line did such a great job.” They are Garin Kisinger, Johntae Jones, Justin Matthews, Reynolds, Austin Jones, Ethan Presley and Cason Johnson.

Ford Tannebaum had 108 yards on 17 carries while Jack Tannebaum ran for 67 yards on five carries. Wyatt Hightower ran nine times for 32 yards, Reynolds went for 22 yards on five carries and Jacobs added 23 yards on five carries. The Bulldogs attempted two passes with one of those for a touchdown.  

“We have a long season ahead and we have to work hard each day,” Webber said. “Games are won during the week when you work out and get prepared for the next game.”

Quitman travels to Scurry-Rosser Friday night to take on a Wildcat team that lost a shootout against Bonham 47-42. Scurry-Rosser is led by quarterback Tanner Vaughn who threw for 17 touchdowns last season. The Wildcats are expected to be one of the playoff teams from District 7-3A DII.