By JORDON SEMIEN/For the Reporter

MONTEVALLO—The late summer humidity didn’t do either team any favors as the Montevallo Bulldogs kicked off their 2014 season against the Locust Fork Hornets. Be it the heat or the adversity, the Bulldogs rocky start careened into a long night as they lost 47-0 to the visiting Hornets on Aug. 22.

The Bulldogs won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to the second half, giving Locust Fork the opportunity at an early lead. Starting the drive from their own 31 yard line, the Hornets bullied their way down the field, lead by junior signal caller Todd Goodwin’s 18-yard run on first down and one yard sneak for the first score of the game, taking a 7-0.

The Bulldogs looked to respond, but were met by the Hornets’ defense, forcing a three and out. The Hornets took over again at their own 45 yard line and engineered an 11 play drive, capped off with a Micah Stephens two yard carry on third and goal for a 14 nothing lead.

Montevallo’s defense showed signs of life into the second quarter, forcing Locust Fork into consecutive three-and-outs. The offense, however, couldn’t capitalize on good field position off of a poor special teams performance by the Hornets.

The first half followed the same trend with the Hornets getting scores from junior running back Hayden Jackson and Goodwin again to go up 26-0 at the halfway mark. Montevallo looked to chip away at the imposing Hornet defense with their first possession of the second half.

The offensive struggles continued for the Bulldogs, meeting three and out after three and out, while the Hornets poured it on, eating up majority of the third quarter clock on another 11-play drive, capped with a 12-yard score on the ground from Junior Shiloh Biles. Locust Fork added to their lead between the third and forth quarters with two scores of seven and eight yards, respectively, from Michael Reid to seal a 47-0 win.

The Hornets finished with a total 423 rushing yards on the night, while Montevallo tallied 99. Both teams show some early season discipline problems, racking up penalties. Montevallo drew five flags for 30 yards, while Locust Fork had nine for 80 yards.

Montevallo head coach Andrew Zow expressed his disappointment with the lack of discipline his team showed.

“There were many opportunities that we missed,” he said. “Like I said before, we’re capable, but what’s the mind set? How tough do you wanna be? Are we coachable when a coach tells (a player) to be in a spot; can (they) get there? I don’t think we’re there yet.”

The Bulldogs will try and regroup before their meeting with the Rams of Francis Marion in Marion, (Ala.) next Friday, Aug. 29.