The Cougars made four incursions deep into Lawrence territory, but were stalled by either the Bulldogs’ defense or a turnover.

Who knew that for three scoreless quarters, Lawrence’s lone touchdown in the opening minutes of the first quarter would stand up?

The Bulldogs played tough defense and the Cougars couldn’t finish as Lawrence slipped away with 7-0 victory over Mt. Blue.

“We were hoping they would come up and play with a lot of emotion,” Lawrence coach John Hersom said. “We didn’t have that atmosphere last week. So we are very happy that they were able to learn that lesson.This is a game where you have to have great emotions.

“I think sometimes we play our hardest and our best when we are being challenged. We kind of like to face a team that wants to go out and try to manhandle us. Sometimes we step up and do a good job.

“We thought we would be pretty even with them. I wasn’t really expecting anything than a tough matchup.”

Lawrence quarterback Braden Ballard scored on a keeper from the 2-yard line. Zack Campbell split the uprights and the Bulldogs’ had the only touchdown of the game.

The Bulldogs got to the 2 when running back Devon Webb rushed for 42 yards.

It looked like the tenacious Cougars would bounce back.

Mt. Blue got the ball on the 38 and brought it all the way to the 12, but Lawrence’s defense got in the way and stopped the Cougars there.

But the Bulldogs were also stopped at the 14-yard line on the next set downs.

The Bulldogs were plagued by penalties that often put their offense in a stall. Lawrence accumulated 12 penalties for 100 yards.

In the second quarter, Mt Blue pushed and shoved its way to the 37, when the Cougars tried to pass, Patrick Diviney was right there to intercept the pass.

Three plays later, the Bulldogs fumbled and gave the ball back to the Cougars.

But once again the Cougars moved to the 14 and Lawrence’s defense put the kibosh on Mt. Blue.