DIXON’S MILL — The handwriting was on the wall when Sweet Water’s Johnny Lockett returned the opening kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown as the Bulldogs shut out the homestanding Panthers 48-0 Friday night.

The SWHS defense held Marengo (0-2, 0-2 1A Region 1) to one yard of total offense and no first downs, while the Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0 1A Region 1) rushed for 188 yards and passed for 121 for a total of 309 yards and 15 first downs.

Lockett rushed nine times for 93 yards and two touchdowns, but had three returns for 101 yards and a TD. SWHS freshman quarterback Brett Davis was 5-for-6 in the air for 100 yards.

Chris Landrum ran for a touchdown, while Jeremy Landrum, Desmond Bouler accounted for the other offensive touchdowns. Senior Delano Brewer scooped up a Marengo fumble and rambled 22 yards into the endzone for a defensive score on the first play of the second half.

“We wanted to come out and establish our dominance and get our confidence back,” said SWHS head coach Stacy Luker. “We felt like we played a hard football game last week (a 21-19 loss to Thomasville). We had a very good effort here tonight. I’m very proud of the way our team responded.”

Sweet Water visits Region 1 rival Coffeeville this Friday, while Marengo is idle. The next game for the Panthers will be on Sept. 18, when MHS travels to Sunshine.