By Greg Gulas

A transformer blew, causing a total blackout and decision to end the game with Poland leading 35-0.

POLAND — At the halfway mark of the season, the Poland Bulldogs sit atop the Division III state rankings because of one very special reason — their offense seems to find the end zone with ease.

They outscored their opponents 146-33 in the first five games while Friday’s opponent, the Chaney Cowboys, struggled on both sides of the ball, being outscored by a 188-42 margin.

While the Bulldogs (6-0) had their way with the Cowboys (1-5) by putting 35 points on the board during the first 20 minutes of action, it was another force, one not on the field of play, that stopped both clubs in their tracks.

With Poland on its own 19-yard line and exactly 4:00 remaining on the clock prior to the intermission, a blown transformer caused a total blackout and after a 39-minute delay, the game was called and Poland declared the 35-0 winner.

Luke Wollet rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns and Greg Sabol added two scores, one a 62-yard scoring strike from Gannon Hulea.

Wollet also added an interception as he helped the Bulldogs defense hold the Cowboys to minus-1 yard of total offense on 21 plays.

“Last week I felt like we didn’t play with enough passion against Niles,” said Wollet. “This week, however, we had a great week of practice and our emotions showed tonight on the field. We really worked hard all week in preparing for Chaney.

“We’re obviously pleased with the win, but everyone would have loved to play a 48-minute game,” he added.

Poland coach Mark Brungard, while disappointed with the game’s shortened version, was nonetheless pleased with his team’s effort.

“A win is a win and we’ll take it, but it’s now all about Howland next week,” he said. “At 6-0 we’re right where we want to be — in a position to win the All-American Conference.”

The Bulldogs were stopped on their opening drive of the game, but Wollet’s 48-yard scamper at the midway part of the quarter staked the Bulldogs to an early 7-0 advantage.

When Sabol added a 5-yard run at 5:34 of the period, Poland increased its lead to 14-0.

Wollet then penetrated the Cowboy defense, shedding a bevy of tacklers en route to a 24-yard tally as the Bulldogs upped their margin to 21-0 at the 1:49 mark.

Poland’s Nick Heltzel then recovered a Cowboy fumble on the ensuing kickoff and on the first play from scrimmage, Hulea found Sabol from 62 yards for a 28-0 lead heading to the second period of play.

“No one saw this coming; I know I sure didn’t. I’m just as shocked as anyone,” Sabol said.

“While it was nice to get the win it was more important that we came out of this healthy. We’ll now focus our attention on Howland this week and prepare just as hard for the Tigers.

“They beat us in overtime last year and this is a game that we have had circled since two-a-day sessions began this past summer,” Sabol added.

Anthony Machi’s 4-yard touchdown run at 10:07 of the second period rounded out the scoring.

Poland racked up 254 yards of total offense, with Hulea connecting on 5-of-7 passes for 98 yards and the touchdown.