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The Nederland Bulldogs began the 2024 campaign, and Scott Rich era, on the right note with a 37-0 win at home over the Lumberton Raiders, Aug. 30.

Senior halfback Hubert Thomas was the star of the night and appeared to already be in midseason form with a 200-plus yard, four touchdown masterclass.

“I think the win goes back to our conditioning,” first-year head coach Rich said postgame. “The kids have spent a lot of time in the weight room. We’ve been on the field a lot and our kids have prepared. That made the difference to me, ultimately.”

Nederland looked dominant right out of the starting block. On their fourth play of the evening, Thomas broke two tackle attempts by defensive linemen in the backfield before bouncing a run to the outside. He took it 60 yards for the first touchdown of the new season as Nederland took a very early 7-0 lead.

Thomas struck again rough six minutes later, this time on another big play. A 42-yard rush put the Bulldogs up 14-0.

The Lumberton offense took the field but didn’t control the ball for long. A costly fumble was recovered by Ellis Walker to give Nederland possession again at the Lumberton 21.

The Bulldogs’ ensuing drive was an efficient one. Thomas, clearly the best player on the field, needed just one play to rush 21 yards and score his third touchdown of the first quarter. The PAT was unsuccessful and the Bulldogs went up 20-0.

While the wet and rainy conditions probably didn’t do the Raiders’ offense any favor, they looked completely lifeless facing what seemed to be an explosive Nederland defense. The Bulldogs would shut out their opponent through the remainder of the first half.

With roughly five minutes remaining in the second quarter, Thomas once again broke loose on an impressive 54-yard touchdown run. By halftime, the senior had amassed over 200 yards and four scores as Nederland took a 27-0 lead into the locker room.

Thomas said film sessions helped prepare him for what was perhaps his career-best performance.

“We watched a lot of film, and the linebackers over-pursued the guards when they pulled,” Thomas said. “I felt great, and we put in countless hours during the summer to perform.”

Lumberton received the kickoff coming out of the half. They finally marched into the red zone for the first time, however, a brief scuffle and multiple penalties resulted in a 3^rd and goal from the Nederland 45. They punted the ball to end the drive, which lasted six minutes and ran half the quarter’s clock down.

Nederland took over from their own 21. They scored in four plays after a 46-yard rush by running back Tait Stoker set up a 1^st and goal. Quarterback Ayden Sunday kept it himself and ran for a seven-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs held a commanding 34-0 advantage.

As the defense continued to hold tight, Nederland’s offense padded the lead a bit more to begin the fourth quarter. Kicker Lance Resch booted a 42-yard attempt through the uprights to make it a 37-0 game.

The Bulldogs subbed in their second-stringers soon after and completed the game with a defensive shutout for their first win of the season.

“All glory to the Lord for sure,” Rich said. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here. I’m excited about this place and I’m excited to get my first win here.”

Nederland will travel to West Orange-Stark next Friday for a meeting with the Mustangs (1-0), who are coming off a big win against Newton. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Dan R. Hooks Stadium, Sep. 6.