Bolton defeats Block in battle between Central Louisiana's 'Bears'

Bolton builds 38-6 first-quarter lead en route to convincing 60-12 win at home

By LaMar Gafford

Photo courtesy of Bolton High School's Facebook page 

ALEXANDRIA - It did not take long to find out which sleuth of Bears was the best one between Bolton and Block on Friday.

Bolton (2-3) earned its first home win this season as it defeated Block, 60-12, to close non-district play. 

The win was Bolton’s first in the Garden District since defeating Peabody in last year's season finale.

“It’s been a long time since we got a home victory,” first-year Bolton coach James Dartez said. “I appreciate the guys for their fight and effort, as well as the fans and the administration. This is a big win for our high school.”

After taking over at Bolton in March, Dartez has been happy about his senior class and it did not disappoint Friday with its leadership.

Bolton senior Jaylen Welch scored four touchdowns in the contest and helped it jump out to a 38-6 lead after one quarter. Fellow senior Brennan Paige was also impressive by throwing for three touchdowns, including a pass to Jaylen Davis.

“The bond that we have and what we went through last year with a lot of losing has brought us closer together as a team,” Paige said. “Seeing that we’re actually good and have a lot of talent, we’ve put faith in our coaches and each other.”

Block (0-5) forced a couple of turnovers early in the first quarter and its lone highlight came when Kristian O’Steen found Korin Collins to make it a 7-6 game.

However, it was quickly overwhelmed by allowing 38 unanswered points - two coming off a safety courtesy of a sack in the end zone.

With the game going into a running clock for the final three quarters, Bolton’s defense and special teams did not let up as Welch’s other two touchdowns came courtesy of a punt return and an interception return in the third quarter.

“I’m always the guy (our team counts on) in anything that I do,” Welch said. “It really comes natural to me.”

Both teams shift to district play next week as Bolton makes the short trek to Buckeye and Block goes to Sicily Island.