MATTAPOISETT — The Lady Bulldogs came into Wednesday’s powderpuff matchup with the goal of beating the Wareham Vikings. Despite a strong defensive effort, however, they came up short in overtime. 

After Wednesday’s overtime loss, the Bulldogs have dropped three out of four of the annual matches against the Vikings, although they won in 2016.

The Vikings opened the game with a fierce defensive stand, driving the Bulldogs deep into their own territory. As if they shot out of a cannon, the Viking offense scored after only two plays on the field and added to their lead with a two-point conversion. 

Facing a strong Wareham defense, the Bulldogs were completely shut out and managed only a few first downs in the half. The fast start on offense for the Vikings was slowed, however, following two turnovers which included a costly interception just before halftime. 

In the second half, the Bulldogs pulled even with a score of their own. On the ensuing drive, the Bulldogs halted the Vikings offensive attack. 

Both teams traded punts on several of the next drives, proving that defense was the name of the game on Wednesday.

With just a few minutes remaining in the game, the Vikings made a final push to get within the 30-yard line and, a few plays later, they were knocking on the door of the end zone.

As the final seconds ticked off of the clock, the Bulldogs foiled the Viking’s hopes of scoring. Tied with eight points apiece, the teams took their fight into overtime.

The Vikings made the most out of their overtime drive and ran in for the score before the Bulldogs knew what hit them. After capping off the touchdown with a successful two-point conversion, the Vikings turned their attention to getting the stop on defense. 

The Bulldogs couldn’t muster enough offense in the end to get past a high energy Vikings defense, wrapping up the game with a final score of 14-8. 

The annual powderpuff game is a fundraiser for both schools; it began four years ago. Prior to 2015, Old Rochester's junior and senior girls faced off in the annual powderpuff match, but Old Rochester Principal Mike Devoll said he found the match to be more divisive than unifying.