The CYFL playoffs are underway. In the 8U division, No. 3 Belhaven Bulldogs squared off against No. 6 Washington Raiders Saturday morning. The two teams engaged in a defensive standoff for the first eight minutes of the game, but only the Bulldogs’ defense would hold up as the Bulldogs shutout the Raiders, 14-0.

The Bulldogs hit their stride late in the first quarter. They started picking up chunks of yardage on a long scoring drive. Hezekiah Mann bolted for 17 yards as the period came to an end, which gave the Bulldogs momentum as the second quarter started. The defense had just forced a turnover on downs and they were intent on capitalizing on the opportunity.

A few plays later, Ethan Wilson ran 13 yards to put the Bulldogs in the red zone. Famous Wilson cut inside on a run that allowed him to get five yards and the game’s first touchdown.

The 6-0 lead allowed the Bulldogs to settle in. Their defense continued its strong performance by forcing the Raiders three-and-out and handing good field position to the offense. The offense wasn’t able to hit pay dirt this time around. The Raiders recovered nicely by forcing a three-and-out from the Bulldogs.

The result on the ensuing drive was the same, though. The Raiders found it hard to level the game, thanks to the pressure brought on by the Bulldogs’ defensive line and linebackers. A tackle in the backfield put the Raiders in a fourth-and-12 situation and they punted.

The Bulldogs drove down the field thanks to 17-yard runs made by Mann and Wilson. Flags prevented the Bulldogs from hitting pay dirt. A holding penalty brought up a third-and-long scenario. Wilson scampered for the first down on fourth-and-eight, but a flag called it back.

The Raiders handed the game over moments later. The first play of the ensuing drive was a fumble recovered by the Bulldogs. They went on to drive down the field before Wilson punched in the short touchdown.

The Bulldogs chewed a lot of the clock. There were just a few minutes for the Raiders to find their way out of a 14-0 deficit. They had a long kickoff return to get favorable field position. However, they were brought down in the backfield by the Bulldogs twice.