The Bulldogs weren’t just dominated by the Columbia High Tigers in their season opener Nov. 21 in Lake City. They were “thoroughly dominated” in the 64-36 loss, said coach Chris Martello.

This year’s Columbia team returned all five starters from its 2005-06 5A regular season district championship squad. Columbia beat the eventual 5A state champion, Gainesville Eastside, twice in the regular seaon last year.

The Bulldogs, though, graduated seven players from its talented 2005-2006 squad. This year’s team is also talented, but young and inexperienced.

The varsity will play with three freshmen — all may start on any given night — and return only one starter, Ryan Hight, from last year’s team.

The Bulldogs began the game against a tentative Columbia defense, but trailed 13-6 at the end of the first. Columbia turned up the pressure in the second quarter and the young Dogs turned the ball over too often and trailed 35-13 at the half. The third quarter was much like the second, ending with the Tigers leading 55-19. The Bulldogs came alive in the fourth against Columbia’s more inexperienced bench, outscoring the Tigers 17-9.

Suwannee freshman Shawn Jackson led Bulldog scoring with 13, seven of which came in the last period. Senior Marcus Walker added eight and Chauncey Young seven on limited playing time. Rounding out the scorers for Suwannee were Frank Snead with four, Jay Chambers with a single three-pointer and Scott Butler adding one from the free throw line. Suwannee only went to the line five times, hitting two.

Columbia had eight scorers with Cameron Reynolds leading all with 23. Jakeem Hill added 13, Byron Shemwell nine, Dontae Davis seven, Kenny Williams and Anthony McCray four each and Tavaris Reynolds and Tim Fleming two each. Columbia was 11 for 19 from the free throw line.

Suwannee hit 14 field goals, two three-pointers, and were two for five from the line. Columbia hit 19 FG’s, five three-pointers, and were 11 for 19 from the line.

The Bulldogs play the next five of six at home before Christmas break, including four district games.