Bulldog defense suffocates Cowboys in season opener

OMAHA - Boys Town led Auburn 8-7 late in the first quarter Friday night in the season opening game for both teams in 2022 on the gridiron.

But it was Auburn coming away with the 33-8 victory after scoring 26 unanswered points to pull away behind a powerful rushing attack and high-flying defense.

Tate Hug started the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run with 4:07 left in the first quarter to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

The Cowboys were then stuck with a third and long when sophomore running back Taylor Jacobs escaped the grasp of Austin Lavigne well behind the line of scrimmage, reversed field and scampered down to the 1-yard line with a 55-yard run. 

Quarterback DaShawn Gomes then pounded in a 1-yard touchdown run one play later and converted a two-point conversion to put the Cowboys ahead 8-7 heading to the second quarter.

On the next Auburn possession, Nixon Ligouri scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to cap off an 11-play drive to put it in front for good. Ligouri added an 8-yard touchdown run later in the game while splitting time with Travon Shaw at quarterback. 

Shaw threw two interceptions, but did lead a couple of scoring drives himself. 

The Bulldogs leaned on their offensive line and ran the ball consistently with a stable of running backs and receivers. 

But the real story was the defense which stuffed the Boys Town run game and shut down its passing game. The Cowboys (0-1) became one dimensional on offense; finding little success through the air until late in the game. 

Defensive back Brant Guzilia then stepped in front of a Gomes pass and intercepted it, returning it 50 yards to the house for the defensive touchdown, putting an exclamation point on the season opening win. 

Guzilia also rushed for a touchdown on the previous Auburn possession. 

The Bulldogs (1-0) will play Logan View/Scribner-Snyder at home next Friday.