STUART – We have a winner here.

It all starts with the individual and collective mind. From there, whatever is inside will come out.

The South Fork Bulldogs are in the midst of a culture change experience. They got to realize a bit of that in last Friday night’s (Aug. 18) kickoff classic game at home against Somerset Academy Canyons.

In the Bulldogs 14-6 win over the Cougars, we had two scoring moments – both of which came in the second half. As they overcame inclement weather throughout the first half, the scoreless tie with their opponent was broken by way of a spirited 20-yard touchdown run by Omar Mejia.

This was a major breakthrough moment for the entire program, to say the very least.

The extra point by freshman kicker Parker Goldstein was a special on, as well. This was the South Fork sensation’s first-ever successful special teams point on the varsity team, with senior holder David Patterson helping to make this happen.

South Fork’s lead was at 7-0 over Somerset Academy Canyons.

The next score came later on in the second half, as senior quarterback Shea McMillan connected on a touchdown pass to senior tight end Josh Mahler.

Again, Patterson was there to hold as Goldstein kicked in his second extra point to extend South Fork’s lead to 14-0 over Somerset Academy Canyons.

Toward the end of this one, Canyons would score to cut the South Fork lead to eight points. But at the final buzzer, the Bulldogs did enough to hold on for the victory as a quick celebration ensued.

“The game was great,” South Fork senior defensive back Dyshon Cruz said. “We have some stuff to clean up. But besides that, the defense was on fire.”

With all that said, South Fork earned a Week 1 open date by default. This was because Viera – South Fork’s planned opponent for Week 1 – suspended its football season at this time due to hazing allegations that reportedly took place with the program not too long ago.

South Fork will begin its regular season in Week 2, which is tonight (Aug. 31; 7 p.m. kickoff) against Fort Pierce Westwood at Lawnwood Stadium in Fort Pierce.

Here’s hoping that South Fork has a great season to remember. We wish the Bulldogs nothing but the best in 2023.

PHOTO CREDIT: Alison Vilela