In what sports writers across the inland empire thought was going to be a sure thing, the Hemet Bulldogs came out and played with heart, grit, and Bulldog Pride as they never gave up, never surrendered in a wild game at Hemet High School.
Hemet took on the San Jacinto Tigers for a winner take all game, take the Victory Bell and take a playoff spot in CIF.
The Bulldogs were trailing quickly after a first series interception by the Tigers who capitalized on the turnover and got their first TD early in the first quarter. They missed the extra point. Hemet did not quite and came back on a long drive and getting to pay-dirt to tie it, then kicking the extra point to go up 7-6.
After that, the Tigers seemed to control the tempo with their quick backs and passing attach to multiple receivers. Hemet looked ragged running all over the field to take down the Tigers and bent enough, but did not break. San Jacinto did build a 10 point lead which held for much of the game. Every time San Jacinto scored, the Bulldogs were able to answer back but never close the distance; that was until the last few minutes of the game.
When the visitors started to ring the bell, thinking they had the victory in hand, something also sounded deep inside the stomach of the Dawgs. Being down 37-27 they pounced on the Tigers for a three and out series and promptly scored (37-34) with 1:02 remaining. Everyone in the stadium knew the onside kick was coming and San Jacinto brought up their hands people to take the kickoff. Somehow, someway, the ball bounced right and the Bulldogs recovered. They quickly drove down the field, helped with a penalty to move the ball into scoring position, at least field goal position with under :30 seconds left. The Dawgs punched in the final score and just had to hold on to earn their victory and “Bring Back The Bell” to Hemet.
Two flee-flicker plays of a hook-and-ladder failed as the time ran out and began a celebration that has not been seen in Hemet for a LONG time. The Bell was back, and now the Bulldogs will be going back into CIF for the first time since 2006.
Story and Photo’s by Hemet High School Yearbook.