In a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs opened the 2025 season with a statement win, shutting out Springstead 46-0 on the road Friday night.
From the opening drive to the final whistle, Zephyrhills imposed its will on the Eagles, avenging last year’s season-opening loss. The Bulldogs’ defense stifled Springstead at every turn, while the offense piled up seven touchdowns on the ground and through the air.
“I was a little surprised,” head coach Nick Carroll admitted after the win. “We practiced really hard this week. We landed all the formations, and we got lined up right. The expectation is high, but Springstead’s always really well coached and they’re a tough team.”
The Bulldogs wasted no time building momentum. Quarterback Patrick Harding connected with receiver Diori Pope on a 58-yard touchdown strike and later punched in a score himself from two yards out to help Zephyrhills grab a 20-0 first-quarter lead.
As the second quarter opened, running back Roe Miller broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run, sparking a 27-point quarter for the Bulldogs. Harding added another rushing touchdown, Miller notched his second score of the night, and Kingston McCullough contributed twice — once on a rushing touchdown and again on a 15-yard reception from Harding.
By halftime, the Bulldogs had stormed ahead 40-0, leaving little doubt about the outcome. With a running clock in the second half, Zephyrhills maintained control before capping the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run by Graylon Johnson in the final minute.
The Bulldogs return home next Friday for their home opener at Tom Fisher Field, where they’ll take on Wesley Chapel at 7:30 p.m.