Cloudland hopeful for an upset against ‘Dogs

Published 2:30 pm Tuesday, September 24, 2024

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Star Correspondent

A game the Cloudland Highlanders have not won since 2018, when they prevailed 24-0 against Hampton, will be on display Friday night at JC Campbell Stadium. The Bulldogs have won every year since but may be vulnerable to an upset.

“We came together as a team,” Bulldogs head coach Michael Lunsford said after besting Cumberland Gap. “We’ll prepare well and correct some of the things we haven’t been doing well.”

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The ‘Dogs trampled Cumberland Gap 60-14 on Friday night, with senior running back Dom Burleson rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Kaden Jones added 121 rushing yards and two scores. The ‘Landers come off a 27-16 loss to Johnson County and stand at 2-2 on the season.

Sophomore Grayson Cole rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.

“You know, the kids understand the importance of this game,” Highlanders head coach Zac Benfield said. “Hampton has played a tough schedule, and they are battle-tested. We are going to have to play extremely well to stay competitive.”