WINDER — Winder-Barrow football coach Heath Webb knew Friday's season opener with Clarke Central would be anything but easy.
So even when his Bulldoggs built a 28-7 lead, he figured a Gladiators charge might be coming -- and indeed Clarke Central produced a stout fightback to knot the game at 28-28.
What was more impressive, however, was Winder's own response, as the Bulldoggs churned out a game-winning drive for a 35-28 victory in the two teams' season-opener in Winder.
Bulldoggs quarterback Brock Landis connected with Noah McDowell for the clinching score with just over a minute to play -- his second touchdown pass of the night -- on third and eight.
"We told our offensive line to win the game for us, and we just ground out the drive -- until we got to third and eight, and then it was Brock's turn to shine," Webb said. "Clarke Central has a dang good football team; that was a hardfought game."
Landis hit Jaden Turner for his first scoring strike, and Winder charged away from a 7-7 scoreline with three straight touchdowns -- including an interception return for a score from Turner and a botched field goal attempt that played out perfectly for the Bulldoggs, as holder Trace Wells gathered a low snap and hit Sterling Sumpter for a scoring pass. Sumpter also scored on a touchdown run for a three score lead, only to watch the visitors come roaring back.
But the Bulldoggs had enough to provide the final answer.
Winder travels to face Walnut Grove next week.
