The Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs fell a point short at 27-26 versus the Joaquin Rams in the final non-district match on Friday.
It was nearly an upset win against a Rams team that came just one game short of making it to last year’s state championship game, losing to the team that would go on to win it all in 2024.
Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff might have called one of his best offensive games, but was just one-yard short of stealing a win at the end on a two-point run attempt.
“Our guys played with tremendous heart, technique and gave it everything they had. We had a great gameplan all week long that we felt good about,” said Ratliff. “Yes, this loss is going to sting because I believe we can play with them any day of the week.
“We put ourselves in a position where we know we can go out and play for a district title,” Ratliff continued. “We just have to go out again and play all four quarters. Also, clean up some mistakes. Ultimately, I put that loss on me and I am going to make sure to be better going forward for those guys.”
A short opening kickoff set Joaquin up near midfield to start. Ram junior receiver Cooper Bragg quickly got them deep near the red zone on a keeper. Ram junior quarterback Trenton Rennels later connected with Bragg on a 25-yard touchdown pass for the early 7-0 lead.
Bulldog junior receiver Nehemiah Marshall broke up the middle on the following kickoff return, which gave Corrigan great field position. However, Corrigan immediately coughed up the ball on a big hit and fumble recovery by the Rams.
The Bulldog defense stepped up with a fourth-down stop at midfield to take back possession. Bulldog senior quarterback William Ratliff picked up a first down with his feet on a third and long.
This set up a reverse from Ratliff to senior Jace Ivy, who then passed to wide-open senior tight end Tahj Thomas for a 46-yard touchdown pass to even the score at seven.
Corrigan's defense later forced a punt from Joaquin late in the first quarter. This set up another scoring opportunity for the Bulldogs.
Ratliff faked a handoff and took it in himself for an 11-yard touchdown run to take a 14-7 lead going into the second quarter.
The Bulldog defense stepped up again to force a fourth and very long, but Joaquin was bailed out on a questionable pass interference call near the goal line.
Bragg later punched it in for a one-yard touchdown to tie it back up 14-14 inside the final minutes of the half.
The Bulldog offense seemed to have a chance to answer, with big penalties against the Joaquin defense getting them near the red zone, but junior back Derrick Reagie was stripped of the ball for another costly turnover.
At the start of the second half, Ratliff threw an interception straight into the hands of Bragg at defensive back, who saw the deep pass coming.
Bragg would later step out momentarily with a leg injury, as the Rams continued to march forward. Runnels quickly found Ram sophomore Degan Lee for an 18-yard touchdown pass to go back up 21-14 still early in the third quarter.
Reagie exploded with a run on the next Bulldog possession, plus a horse collar tackle to get deep into Ram territory. This set up a 10-yard touchdown pass from Ratliff to senior receiver Paden Walker on a corner route in the end zone.
However, the extra kick was blocked by the Rams and that would prevent Corrigan from tying it late in the third quarter.
Joaquin’s offense was set way back on the next drive with penalties, but immediately responded with Ram senior tight end Conner Rios catching a long pass play into Bulldog territory.
This set up an 18-yard touchdown pass from Runnels to Bragg to extend the Ram lead 27-20 – still a one-score game – with the extra point unsuccessful.
Bulldog senior back Mason Murphy powered through on a huge gain on the next Corrigan possession. Later on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Corrigan was stopped on a tush-push type play, which was successful earlier in that drive.
In the final minutes, Corrigan’s defense would make another crucial three-and-out stop to set up one last shot to take the game.
Bulldog junior tight end Braylon Levy made a big third-and-long reception. Then, Ratliff converted later on fourth-and-one with a horse collar tacked on to put it at the one-yard line.
Reagie would easily punch it in for a late touchdown run to pull within one point.
Going for the win on the two-point conversion, Corrigan chose an option outside to Murphy. The try was nearly successful, but Murphy was stopped less than a yard from the goal line.
The Rams were able to drain the remaining seconds to maintain their victory.
Corrigan will have an open week before starting district play Oct. 10 on the road versus the rival Groveton Indians.
