By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

ALABASTER — Unfortunately for the home team, the elements weren’t the only thing that proved tough to deal with, as the Lions fell to the Bulldogs, 38-0.

The game was originally set for Friday, Oct. 10, but inclement weather led the AISA to postpone the game to Oct. 13. Even so, dark clouds hung over Ron Cox Field intermittently all game long, with the sun making an appearance in the second and third quarters.

The Restoration offense made an appearance early and often, opening up a 20-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Lions made a strong defensive effort in the second, holding the Bulldogs close on a third down and 15 to force a punt with 8:57 left in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the drive stalled on a Yatil Gant sack, and the Lions were forced to punt.

The Bulldogs then scored on a 33-yard touchdown run. While attempting the point after, Kingwood’s Gage Sumrall broke through and blocked the attempt to leave the score 26-0 midway through the second quarter.

With 3:09 left before the teams broke for halftime, The Lions faced a fourth-and-eight near midfield, when Gant drew the defense offsides with his cadence, drawing a five-yard penalty. Unfortunately for the Lions, a false start the next play negated the gain, and E.J. Gant’s run came up short, turning the ball over on downs.

The Lions took the ball after half, and proceeded to move with ease, as E.J. Gant broke loose on a 34-yard run, bringing the Lions to the Bulldog 34. Three-straight runs netted no yards, and a fourth down attempt saw Yatil Gant sacked for a loss of 21 yards, turning the ball over on downs.

The Bulldogs scored again with 2:54 left in the third, with the extra point no good.

The Lions’ defense continued to play tough, as the squad recovered a fumble at the 10:37 mark in the fourth.

The Bulldogs added one more score in the game to bring the final to 38-0 following a missed conversion attempt.

The Lions move on to face Tuscaloosa Academy Oct. 17.