WINDER — Winder-Barrow football rode a tough start to the season -- and now the Bulldoggs are riding right into the playoff race.
Winder fended off Flowery Branch 24-17 on Friday in Winder to notch its third win in Region 8-AAAAA and the victory -- combined with Gainesville's defeat of Salem on the same night -- pushed the Bulldoggs (3-3, 3-2 Region 8-AAAAA) right into fourth place in the region standings.
Winder clung to the win despite a wild finish that saw the Falcons (3-3, 2-3) score with just under 10 minutes to play and then put together two possessions inside the final five minutes. The two teams combined for plenty of crazy moments in a contest that contained eight turnovers -- five for the Falcons (three of which ended early drives).
In his second start of the season Winder quarterback Brock Landis continued his impressive play, scoring two touchdowns and putting up 195 total yards to help spark a Bulldoggs offense that was still missing standout running back Cece Green due to injury. Javonne Hughes also stepped up for Winder, rushing 27 times for 125 yards.
Landis' first score -- on a 26-yard run in the second quarter -- made it 7-3 at halftime and his 1-yard run in the fourth quarter proved the difference in the final score. At the time, however, it looked as if Landis' touchdown iced the game -- but Flowery Branch was not about to go away.
The Falcons blitzed downfield on a 41-yard pass play and pulled within 24-17 on a 1-yard touchdown run from Jasen Johnson. Flowery Branch kept the Bulldoggs under pressure, forcing a fumble and a punt inside the final five minutes -- but Winder would not let go of its lead.
Trey Wilcoxson continued his workhorse play for the Falcons offense, rushing 22 times for 110 yards. Quarterback Kory Graham completed 5 of 19 passes, including a 32-yard touchdown srtike to Johnson, though he also tossed three interceptions.
The Falcons will look to bounce back next week at Clarke Central.
Winder will take a bye next week before facing Cedar Shoals on Oct. 16.
