HARTWELL — Eastside brought an undefeated record to Herndon Stadium Friday night. A rushing game that averaged over eight yards per carry. An offense averaging over 30 points per game, led by sharp-throwing quarterback Justin Wray.

The Eagles left the Hart County home bruised and battered, toting a 24-7 loss, with an open week to get things sorted out.

Hart County completely stopped the Eagle running game, which ended with minus-19 yards on 18 carries. The Bulldogs kept Eastside out of the end zone until the fourth quarter, where a wild rally netted just seven points.

“Defense was the key tonight,” said Bulldog coach Joby Scroggs, “Our coaching staff put together a perfect plan. And tonight we proved to ourselves that we can play with anybody.”

Eastside’s offense made just one first down in the first half, moving into Bulldog territory once – on a 64-yard pass from quarterback Wray to Jerome Ivey.

Hart County took the opening kickoff and put together a 10-play, 66-yard drive for a 7-0 lead on junior tailback Keitius Harper’s 26-yard run.

Bulldog place kicker Zain Rowland, after missing a 38-yard field goal try, nailed a 24-yarder with under three minutes left in the first half to give the Bulldogs a 10-0 lead.

Then senior fullback Josh Carey made it 17-0 at 7:35 of the third quarter, hauling in a short Landon Beck pass that turned into an 18-yard touchdown reception. The play was set up by freshman Quin Sturghill’s fumble recovery at the Eagle 22

The Bulldog defense continued its ownership of the Eagle offense after intermission, forcing two more punts by the frustrated Eastside offense that wasn’t used to being shut down this season.

But Eastside would create one final burst, moving 85 yards in two minutes of the fourth quarter, thanks to five Wray pass completions, the final one resulting in a 16-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver Taylor Head. The TD cut the Bulldog lead to 17-7, but Hart County immediately moved 53 yards in six plays, highlighted by Beck’s 35-yard scoring run.

Wray hit eight passes on the Eagles’ next possession, finishing the fourth quarter completing 13 of 16 passes for 137 yards. He finished the game completing 19 of 28 throws for 254 yards.

But the lack of a running game slowed the Eagles down through the game.

Hart County’s running game totaled 324 yards, with senior John Blackwell having an outstanding game with 20 carries for 146 yards. Beck finished with a 70-yard passing game on five completions, adding 37 yards on the ground and a TD.

Next stop for the Bulldogs (3-3, 2-1) will be another tough 8-AAA game at Oconee next week.

“But for now,” said Scroggs, “We’re going to sit back, relax and enjoy this an outstanding win.”