Clarkdale looks to keep rolling against Philly

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
October 14, 2004
Clarkdale will need more than just the momentum of its two-game winning streak to beat Philadelphia on Friday.
The Bulldogs, who are 2-4 after wins over Lake and Williams-Sullivan, host the 6-1 Tornadoes in an important Division 5-2A contest.
Clarkdale's two victories helped the Bulldogs take a big step toward a playoff appearance, but they also brought something just as important a boost in morale.
But even Gartman is quick to admit that success is going to be harder to come by against Philadelphia. Since a 31-point loss to Forest on Sept. 29, the Tornadoes have put up at least 50 points in wins over division foes Newton and Lake.
The Bulldogs will rely on their defense, which has bounced back from a slow start, to contain Philadelphia's vaunted running attack. Tornadoes running backs Tuntdrick Burnside and Talmer Burnside have combined for nine touchdowns in the last two weeks. Talmer Burnside had four touchdowns against Newton on Oct. 1, and Tuntdrick Burnside had three against Lake on Friday.
But Clarkdale's defense has buckled down since the Bulldogs'
26-15 loss to Southeast Lauderdale on Sept. 9. Since then, Clarkdale has yielded an average of 14 points in its last three games.
Gartman said the Bulldogs will look to their own running backs to keep pace with Philadelphia. Chris Sirven leads Clarkdale with eight rushing touchdowns, including six in the past two games.