The Bulldogs were barking up the wrong tree for redemption.

Linfield football began its season with a statement after defeating Chapman University 52-14.

Redlands entered Saturday’s game with a different story. The Bulldogs began the year just up the road against George Fox University and fell short against the Bruins in a 35-39 loss.

Almost exactly a year ago Linfield held Redlands to 3 points, racking up 36 of their own. Momentum and history were in favor of the ‘Cats but the Bulldogs entered the Catdome thirsty for their first win.

Redlands won the coin toss and elected to give Linfield the ball for the beginning of the game. The ‘Cats pounced on this opportunity and scored on a five play drive.

Quarterback Sam Riddle aired out a 44 yard pass to Erick Douglas III, WR, to put the ‘Cats at 1^st and goal. After a 2 yard rush from Tavon Willis, RB, Riddle connected with Levi Altringer, TE, in the middle of the end zone for Linfield’s first touchdown with 13:29 left in the quarter

The ‘Dogs stumbled out of the gate, dropping the punt in their own end zone and recovering for an 8 yard return.

Linfield’s defense held the ‘Dogs on their side of the field for their first drive. Jason Farlow, LB, sacked Redlands’ quarterback Kevin Russel to kill the drive at the Redlands’ 43 yard line.

Linfield came close to scoring again in the 1^st but Michael Metter’s 26 yard kick went left of the uprights.

The action in the second quarter began with defensive dominance from Linfield. On Redlands’ second drive of the quarter Eli Biodine, LB, forced Bulldog ball carrier Devin Appleton to fumble. Jake Reimer, LB, recovered the ball and ran it for 22 yards to the Redlands’ 41 yard line.

With the ball back in their hands the ‘Cats scratched for three first downs. Riddle found Douglas for the final push of the drive worth 6 yards and placing the team on the Redlands’ 9.

Michael Metter entered ready to redeem himself and kicked a 26 yard field goal to bring the score to 10-0.

The defense created another opportunity for the offense after Kennedy Johnson, CB, intercepted Russel’s pass, turning the tables at the Redlands 46.

Eric Igbinoba, WR, had a 15 yard reception standing on his toes just inside the sideline for the first down.

Payne had three straight rushes after that play for a total gain of 14 yards. Linfield’s drive was capped off by a 4 yard rush from Payne leaping into the end zone for the touchdown.

The ‘Cats and ‘Dogs went into the half with a score of 17-0.

Defense still dazzled at the beginning of the third quarter. With the defensive line bringing the heat to Russel he scrambled, nearly lost his footing and hung a pass down the side line into Kyle Belcher’s hands 34 yards from the end zone.

The offense capitalized once again after Tavon Willis, RB, punched through the Redlands line to bring the score to 23-0 after a failed extra point attempt.

The play that put Redlands in the doghouse came with 8:06 on the clock. As was the trend for the day, the defense set up the drive with a recovered fumble by Jake Handran, DE, at the Redlands 21.

“Basically they were running the option and our DT’s have been putting a lot of heat on the quarterback all game and he got spooked and the running back fumbled it,” Handran said “I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Riddle had a spectacular rush into the end zone, breaking multiple tackles, fending off a pull on his jersey, and finally leaping into the pylon for the touchdown. Linfield fans in the stands were reignited by this play as the Bulldogs’ fight seemed to pitter out.

The final score of Linfield 44, Redlands 7, reflected a blowout but not necessarily the defensive clinic the ‘Cats put on.

“It’s such a luxury to have as an offense, knowing that your defense isn’t going to give up that many points,” Riddle said, “We really have to improve as an offense and put the pedal down early but hats off to the defense and special teams.”

Linfield enters its next game on Oct. 3 against Lewis and Clark red hot while Lewis and Clark will be sporting a 2-0 record.