Fifth in a series of team articles reviewing the 2017 season and looking ahead to 2018
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs discovered this past season just how critically important one play truly can be.
Leading Cleveland, 27-21, in Week 3 with just over a minute left, the Las Cruces defense had the Storm offense right where they wanted them – third and long from inside their 20-yard line. However, a surprising draw play fooled the Bulldawgs defense and produced a stunning 70+ yard run by Cleveland.
They quickly scored the game-winning touchdown, handing Las Cruces its only loss of the regular season. What’s the difference between 9-1 and 10-0 in terms of playoff seeding? At least two spots. An undefeated Bulldawgs team would have likely been no worse than the No. 2 seed for the 6A playoffs. They got the No. 4 seed behind La Cueva and Cleveland, both of whom also posted 9-1 marks.
