Flatonia Beats Schulenburg 33-7 in Key District Battle

The Flatonia Bulldogs soundly defeated Schulenburg Friday night 33-7 in front of a packed house on the Shorthorns’ home turf.

The Horns found some success running the ball, but they lacked big plays. The Horns were plagued by penalties, losing 109 yards to yellow flags. Schulenburg led in time of possession and yards from scrimmage, but the Bulldog defense allowed only one score. The efficient Flatonia of

The efficient Flatonia offence scored quickly on most of their possessions. Flatonia punted the ball just once.

“Our kids executed the game plan,” said Flatonia head coach Chris Freytag. “Coaching staff did a great job. I felt we haven’t been playing physical running the football. We challenged our kids mentally and physically. We conditioned well. We had a great plan and the kids executed. It was incredible.”

Schulenburg suffered a delay of game penalty on the opening kickoff – an omen of things to come for the Horns. That gave the Bulldogs good field position to start the game at their own 41 yard line. They drove down to the Shorthorn two yard line, where they fumbled the ball and recovered. Bulldog quarterback Fidel Venegas scored on a keeper. The extra point failed and the score was 6-0 with 6:45 left in the first quarter.

Schulenburg marched into Flatonia territory on the next drive but turned the ball over on downs. Flatonia responded with a 62-yeard drive that ended with another touchdown for Venegas on a quarterback keeper. Flatonia’s two point conversion succeeded and they went up 14-0.

Schulenburg then put together their best drive of the night. They marched 63 yards, all on the ground, topped by a 19-yard touchdown run for Jeremiah Houston. After the extra point, the score was 14-7 with 1:45 left in the half.

The Bulldogs’ only major mistake on offense came just before halftime when Schulenburg’s Kenny King intercepted a pass thrown by Venegas. The Shorthorns were unable to score any points before time ran off the clock.

Schulenburg received the kickoff at the start of the second half. The Horns were putting together another strong drive before Jeremiah Houston fumbled on a run at the Bulldog 45 yard line. Flatonia’s Keyshaun Green scooped up the ball and returned it for a touchdown. Flatonia converted the point after and went up 21-7.

It was all down hill from there for the Shorthorns. Schulenburg punted the ball away after a four-and-out series. Flatonia responded with a deep pass on their first play after the punt. Venegas connected with Jaidyn Guyton for a 45-yard touchdown reception. The extra point was no good and the score was 27-7 with 7:38 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs scored again

The Bulldogs scored again with 1:49 left in the game to make the final score 33-7.

The win was emotional for Freytag and his players. Flatonia I.S.D. lost its beloved band director Bob Hansen on Sept. 22. Freytag said Hansen was a friend to not only all the staff at Flatonia I.S.D. but the students as well.

“These kids, for the last three weeks, have been through hell,” Freytag said. “Bob was a friend to all of us. These kids, before the game, they said, ‘We’re going to do this for Bob.’ I think he’s looking down at us and he’s so happy right now.

“We’re so happy for our town,” Freytag said. “See our crowd? This town loves football again. It’s awesome. I’m so proud of these kids.”