The (1-1) Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs take on the (0-2) Kirbyville Wildcats for week three of the non-district schedule this Friday.
After starting the season with a shutout win over Tarkington, the Bulldogs got hit by Hardin last week in a shutout loss and now have a chance to rebound at home again versus the Wildcats.
“If you have a young, inexperienced team, you learn to ride the rollercoaster and not know what comes next after you lose one. I think this group’s maturity and experience is going to keep them more steady,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “Our guys are consistent and understand what is expected to bounce back this week.”
Kirbyville, led by second-year head coach Seth Hubbard, is coming off a 35-13 road loss against the Bridge City Cardinals. The Wildcats also fell 38-21 during week one at home versus the Shepherd Pirates.
Last season, the Wildcats finished with a 4-6 overall record and 1-5 record in district, falling short of the playoffs. Kirbyville’s single district victory was over the Buna Cougars.
Corrigan was on the short end of a 34-28 score in last year’s matchup at Kirbyville, struggling with turnovers and costly mistakes that kept them from finishing drives.
Although the Bulldogs mounted a late rally with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to make it a one-score game, their final possession ended with an interception.
The Wildcats’ spread offense will have key weapons in senior wide receiver Trent Jackson and senior quarterback T.J. Allen.
“Kirbyville likes to run screens and send the deep ball, and Jackson is good there as an outside option. Allen is a bulldozer at quarterback and is tough to bring down,” Ratliff said.
Ratliff explained how this Friday’s game should better prepare his team for similar spread attacks during the upcoming district schedule.
“This is some of what we will see in district play, because teams like Hearne, Leon and Normangee are going to spread it out and do a lot more in those types of formations. So, this will be beneficial for us,” said Ratliff.
Kickoff for Friday’s non-district game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
