Samino Manson Shines as Green Bulldogs Beat Dover
Game Summary: Green Bulldogs v. Dover Crimson Tornadoes (Off The Leash | 8/18/23)
Green defeats Dover 14-6 in 2023 football season opener.
The Green Bulldogs and the Dover Crimson Tornadoes entered this game with a passionate hunger for redemption. In the previous season, both teams faced significant challenges and setbacks. Green, coming off a 4-7 overall record and a 2-4 record in the Federal League, sought to turn the tide. They retained a roster of talented players and were determined to demonstrate their strength and resilience. Similarly, Dover carried the weight of their 5-6 record from the previous season, which didn't fully reflect their potential. Dover was close to achieving a remarkable 10-1 overall record last year, with five one-score games that could have easily tipped in their favor. They were determined to transform those near-misses into victories and showcase their true potential.
The game began with a stumble as the Bulldogs' first play resulted in a fumbled snap, leading to a quick 3-and-out. Remarkably, Dover faced a similar issue on their opening drive with a fumbled snap. However, Dover managed to capitalize on their opportunity, with Tailback/SS J.J. Barton (#7) scoring a touchdown run. Green's Jarrett Taylor deflected Dover's extra-point attempt.
Green adjusted their strategy late in the first quarter, focusing more on a run-oriented offense. Samino Manson (#11), their quarterback, led with five consecutive QB runs, methodically advancing the Bulldogs toward the endzone. Manson then showcased his passing skills by throwing two touchdown passes, one to WR Zach Baglia (#13) and the other to HB/Slot WR Antonio Martin (#1), bringing the halftime score to 14-6.
The second half unfolded as a defensive battle, with both teams fiercely protecting their territory. Despite their determined offensive efforts, neither side put additional points on the scoreboard.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs emerged victorious, securing their win with a crucial turnover on downs in the game's final 19 seconds.
Impacts on Offense
The Swiss Army Knife: Samino Manson
Green QB Samino Manson (#11), though shaky, did it all in his first start at QB. Primarily lining up as a halfback, Manson got his first taste as a general in Green's 2022 first-round playoff loss to Big Walnut. With a few inconsistencies, his passing game shined bright when executed well. With 178 passing yards total for two TDs (#13 Zach Baglia, #1 Antonio Martin), it's clear his ball placement and arm strength are not to be overlooked. Also notable was his rushing, running for 93 yards and numerous first downs. After it looked like the passing game wouldn't pass against Dover's talented backfield, Green adapted to a run game centered around Manson weaseling his way through the D-line. So far, it looks like Manson will be an essential piece of Green's 2023 season.
Antonio Martin: An Endless Skillset
Everyone should know by now that HB/Slot WR Antonio Martin (#1) can do many things on the football field. Whether running, catching, or being a spectacle on the field, he always shows up when needed. Green showed some weaknesses on the field, but Martin managed to mask those weaknesses by making the bad plays look beneficial. As Green Head Coach Mark Geis put it,
"He doesn't necessarily have to make all the big plays, but he has an ability to make bad plays look average… Get to that three-four yard gain- he did that a couple times when we didn't block some things correctly. He's just one of those guys that can do a lot of things."
Impacts on Defense
OL/EDGE Michael Schaal (#53)
Lining up on the edge this year, Schaal exhibited strength and determination on the field today. As one of the hardest workers in the weight room, his agility as a defensive player is hard to get away from. He recorded a crucial sack in the last few minutes of the 3rd quarter, stopping what could've been a significant gain from Dover.
LB AJ Fortunato (#15)
Fortunato possesses a keen football IQ, allowing him to read plays, anticipate the opponent's moves, and react swiftly. He's a master at disrupting passing lanes, often forcing turnovers with precise timing and athleticism. Additionally, Fortunato's tackling technique is fundamentally sound, ensuring that he's a playmaker in the secondary and a reliable last line of defense against ball carriers.
WR/DB Josh Just (#9)
An unsung hero of Green's secondary, Josh Just made several crucial chase-down tackles in the 4th. With the latter of his pair saving Green from a potential game-tying touchdown + two-point conversion from Dover Slot WR Caden Schie (#2).
Next Week
As Week 2 approaches, Coach Mark Geis advises Green fans to savor the 1-0 start. Next Friday, the 25th, Green travels to face the South Range Raiders. Despite being in Division V, the Raiders haven't lost a regular season game in three years. This game will test Green's resilience as they aim to build on their early-season success.