Photos: Laurel lineman Zach Slatcher (top) and wide receiver Jimmy Hartstein (below).

The Bulldogs saw a golden opportunity slip away and in the process saw their hopes for a Henlopen Conference Southern Division title dim.

Unable to take advantage of five Smyrna turnovers, the Bulldogs had a two-game winning streak snapped. They are now 2-1 in the South and 3-4 overall and a game behind defending division champion Delmar. Woodbridge is also 2-1 in the South.

Laurel took a 13-6 lead over Smyrna with a pair of second period scores.

First, fullback Jamin Pugh, who rushed for 51 yards, bulled in from the 1 to tie the game 6-6.

The Hartstein brothers, quarterback Andy and wide receiver Jimmy, then hooked up on a 15-yard TD pass with 34 seconds left in the first half. Patrick Belle's extra point made it 13-6.

The Bulldogs, though, couldn't make the lead stand up as all-state Smyrna running back Mike Pennewell, who was held to 99 yards rushing, scored from 8 yards out.

The Bulldogs then fumbled a punt that Smyrna converted into the winning touchdown pass.

Laurel had a couple more chances to regain the lead after falling behind 18-13 but on its best opportunity, a successful fake punt was called back by an ineligible man downfield penalty.

Tailback Jermel Horsey led the Bulldogs with 74 yards rushing. Jimmy Hartstein caught 4 passes for 51 yards.

Defensively, Jamin Pugh led the Bulldogs with 17 tackles. Zach Slatcher and Belle also had solid games on defense.

Laurel finished with 139 yards rushing to Smyrna's 197.

The Bulldogs visit Lake Forest for a Henlopen South contest on Friday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.

They then host Delmar on Nov. 9. Delmar defeated Lake Forest 33-6 in a Southern Division game on Oct. 26.

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