The Alden Bulldogs secured a B-East Division Championship with a 35-7 victory over the visiting East Aurora/Holland Blue Devils last Friday night. The Bulldogs are now assured that they will be one of the top three seeds heading into the playoffs.  This night also marked the last regular season home contest that this year’s seniors would be a part of.  Each senior was walked out onto the field with their parents, guardians, and loved ones.  Thanks to a favorable Alden outcome, this group is guaranteed at least one more game at their home site.

Alden kicked off to East Aurora/Holland and were eager to unleash their trademark relentless defense. EA’s drive was quickly killed with a turnover, one of sixteen tallied thus far on the year.  Grant capped off the ensuing offensive drive with a two-yard touchdown which would be one of his four for the night. The Bulldogs were once again hindered by penalties breathing life into East Aurora/Holland when they desperately needed it.  The game was won, once again, by the Alden defense “Our defense, like always, shut down their offense” simply said Lyle Grant on the defensive game. The Blue Devils were held for only 76 total yards.  To this point, the Bulldogs have given up 27 points on the year.  This is the fewest points given up by a team in all of Class B and only one team in all of Section 6 has given up fewer points this year.  AJ Patterson and Christian Snell grabbed interceptions while Joe King and JJ Foster recorded fumble recoveries accounting for the 4 Alden takeaways on the night.  Leyton Miner was an absolute nuisance to the East Aurora offensive attack. His constant pressure over the course of the evening created several issues for opposing blockers.

Grant also had another monstrous offensive game, trekking 227 yards of field with an average of 7.3 yards per carry. Grant also received another Connolly Cup nomination, his second of the season. One of the unsung heroes of the team, Zach Loper, had another outstanding running game. Zach ran for 54 yards on just three carries and got one touchdown. The backfield gang of Grant, Snell, Loper, and Patterson have been quite the productive quartet. Loper is also a strong contributor on defense, leading the team for this game with 6 tackles. Senior Joe King had a solid game at wide receiver making his two catches count for 33 yards and also notching 4 tackles. Excitement is high in Alden Bulldog Nation.   Before the playoffs begin, the Bulldogs must finish off their season with a non-league game versus U-Prep at Webster Thomas High School in Webster, NY on Saturday, October 17 at 3pm.