The (2-2) Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs will host the (2-2) Joaquin Rams this Friday.
In the final non-district matchup of the season, the Bulldogs will have a physical battle against Joaquin as they look to start the district schedule next month with a win streak.
Joaquin made history in 2024 with a huge playoff run coming in as a fourth seed. The Rams earned their way to the team’s first semifinal playoff match and were just one victory away from the state championship but fell 35- 14 to the eventual 2024 state champion Genado Indians.
This all happened under a then first-year Head Coach Jared Jones, who previously served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator under Wade Lawson.
“Joaquin caught fire at just the right time and that inspired us to know we can do those things. We learned a lot playing against them and we are going to use that mentality all the way through the season,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “Coach Jones does a great job and has his players buying in well to that ground-and-pound system.”
Both teams hold a 2-2 record with highs and lows so far this season. Corrigan got a much-needed boost last week with a 49-14 blowout victory at Elkhart. The Rams are coming off a 29-7 loss at home against the Grand Saline Indians.
Joaquin lost their season opener at Frankston but bounced back with two blowouts over Beckville and Tenaha.
In last season’s matchup at Joaquin, the Bulldogs fell short in a 56-35 loss, despite battling hard in a game filled with explosive plays and physical intensity. Even with a late push to cut into the deficit, Corrigan could not keep pace with the Rams’ rushing attack.
Key offensive weapons this year for Joaquin include Ram junior receiver Cooper Bragg and senior tight end Conner Rios.
“We have a gameplan defensively, and our offense is clicking right now so I am excited to see what we can do this Friday,” Ratliff said.
Ratliff noted the demanding non-district slate has helped prepare his team and provided more confidence as they aim to contend for a district championship. The extra preparation during the upcoming bye week will also be crucial before starting district play on the road versus rival Groveton.
“We had a tough non-district schedule, and I think we have done well to put ourselves in position to compete for a district title this year,” said Ratliff. “After Joaquin, we will use the open week to work on ourselves and our tendencies. Looking at what we did well and what we need to work on.”
