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Rockdale started its 2010 football season with a win despite, what coach Michael Etheridge says, is the mood around town.

The Bulldogs defeated Winder-Barrow 6-3 Friday night, unable to score on offense, and having some issues on special teams. However, as the team that reached the AAAA semifinals returns home to face Loganville this Friday it will do so with a record of 1-0.

"I believe we won the game," Etheridge said. "I checked the record and we're 1-0.

"I think (Winder-Barrow) played out of their butts, probably more for their new coach. They did a great job, did a good coaching job, so you can't take anything away from them."

The Bulldogs controlled the game early, as its defense was solid all night, and its special teams capitalized on a poor punt.

Running back Micah Reed caught hold a low kick on special teams and sprinted 55 yards into the end zone for Rockdale's first touchdown of the season.

At around the same time frame Reed was running freely on special teams, he had trouble doing so from his running back position on offense, with the offensive line still coming together in the early stages of the season.

"Our offensive line has to keep getting better," Etheridge said. "We got better as the game was going on. We just made some simple mistakes.
"Getting a game under our belts is going to make a big difference."

Despite woes on the offensive line, some of the same players doing double duty on the defensive line were stellar.

Clemson committed defensive lineman Grady Jarrett showed why he is a Division I talent, leading the charge of solid plays.

"Grady had a great game," Etheridge said. "Everyone on defense all played well."

Etheridge said the Bulldogs' defense didn't allow a first down in the first half.

"We played outstanding defense all night, we just couldn't get anything moving offensively," Etheridge said. "Defensive-wise we really played lights out."

Winder-Barrow couldn't get anything going against the Bulldogs stingy defense, managing just a field goal and getting stuffed after receiving great field position.

Winder-Barrow recovered a punt block within Rockdale's 17-yard line, but gave the ball right back after turning it over on downs.

The Bulldogs, however, also struggled in the redzone, adding to their offensive woes.

"I think we had a chance to really break it wide open early," We just couldn't perform down on the goal line. That's probably more on me than the kids. We just didn't get it in. I felt like we would have got it I, we just made a miscue on one or two plays."

Etheridge said he is glad to get the first game behind them, along with hopefully the nervousness.

"It was just first game jitters more than anything else," Etheridge said. "We're glad to get out of there with a win."