Copperheads Suffer First Loss of the Season, 62-12

SEMO Copperhead defensive end Pat Chapman recorded five tackles and a blocked kick in a 62-12 loss to the Kansas City Bulldogs on Saturday at the Osage Community Centre Football Field (Photo by Patrick Clark)

By Patrick Clark

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The battle of unbeaten Central Plains Football League teams didn't live up to the billing at the Osage Community Centre Football Field on Saturday afternoon. The SEMO Copperheads couldn't keep pace with the visiting Kansas City Bulldogs losing 62-12.

Playing without All-star quarterback Eddie Calvin (St. Louis), the vaunted Copperheads (2-1) offense was shutdown, managing just 123 yards of total offense and committing four turnovers.

The Bulldogs scored on the opening possession of the game to make it 6-0. After kick returner

The running game was held to just 69 yards after rushing for 192 yards in their previous game. Ryan Criglar (Malden) put the Copperheads in Bulldogs territory with an exciting 33-yard return. Quarterback Chris Huffman got the Copperheads on the board with a seven-yard strike to Vaughn Shephard (New Madrid).

The Bulldogs answered with 18-straight points to grab a 22-6 lead at the half. They extended the lead to 37-6 with two scores in the third quarter.

Huffman again found Shephard with a five-yard, one-handed touchdown for their final score of the game, making it 37-12.

The Bulldogs dominated the final quarter, scoring 26 points for the final margin of victory.

Huffman, made his first career start under center in place of Calvin, completing seven of his 22 attempts for 54 yards. It was the second-straight game he threw for multiple touchdowns.

Shephard had three catches for 22-yards and caught two touchdowns for the second-straight game. He has a league-best five touchdown receptions this season.

Corey Echols (St. Louis) led the ground game with 36 yards rushing on seven carries. He also added two catches for 14 yards.

Hykeem Hammonds (Cape Girardeau) had three carries for 19 yards.

The defense was led by defensive end Chris Watson who had a career-best eight tackles, including five solo stops and one tackle for a loss.

Fellow defensive line mates Pat Chapman and Salamar Cox each finished with five tackles apiece. Safety Jeremiah Dukes (Cape Girardeau) finished with four tackles and a pass break-up.

Cornerback Kaleum Reid had four tackles, a pass break-up and a forced fumble.

Criglar had four kick-off returns for 93 yards.

The Copperheads fall to 0-2 against the Bulldogs all-time.

The Copperheads look to return to their winning ways when they travel to Springfield, Mo. to face the Ozark Titans on April 14. Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. Log-on at www.semocopperheads.com for more information.