Thanks to a stout defensive performance, the Turlock High Bulldogs (5-3, 3-0) trounced the Atwater High Falcons (2-6, 0-3) 56-7 to remain undefeated in league play.

After facing a tough non-conference schedule, the Bulldogs have reeled off three straight wins to put themselves into playoff contention.

The Bulldogs set the tone of the game early in the first quarter after defensive back Jeffery Hines intercepted a Falcons pass on the first drive of the game, which led to a 34-yard touchdown pass from Bulldog quarterback Bubba Moreno to running back Danny Velasquez to put the ‘Dogs up 7-0 less than 3 minutes into the game.

Velasquez found paydirt again in the first quarter on a 10-yard run to give Turlock a 14-0 lead with 2:21 left in the quarter.

Turlock’s defense was too much for Atwater to handle, consistently giving the Bulldogs great field position — and the ‘Dogs capitalized.

At the start of the second quarter, Bulldogs running back Brandon Booz found room through the middle of the Falcons defense for a 46-yard run down to the Atwater 2 yard line. Booz would score on the next play.

The Bulldogs dominated the first half in every aspect of the game, even though the Falcons were able to find the endzone for the first and only time in the game. Turlock led 35-7 at the half.

A skirmish broke out on the field in the second quarter after Hines’ second interception. In total, three players were ejected from the game — two Bulldogs, one Falcon — including Turlock running back and linebacker Andy Jennings. Jennings will be unable to play in the next game — a tough matchup against the Merced High Bears (6-2, 3-0).

Turlock controlled the ball much of the second half, keeping the Falcons out of the endzone and tacking on a couple more scores.

When the clock hit all zeros, Bulldogs walked away with a 56-7 victory to remain undefeated in league play.

Four different Bulldogs found the endzone on Friday night, most notably Velasquez who caught two touchdowns, of 34 and 36 yards, respectively, and ran one in. Booz had two TD runs, running back Zach Moore scored a rushing touchdown, and receiver Jacob Mabie had two touchdown receptions. Moreno threw for four touchdowns and Hines had to picks on the night.

The Bulldogs will now host the Merced High Bears at Joe Debly Stadium on Oct. 31 in what will be the biggest game of the year thus far.