The (1-2) Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs will travel for their next non-district match versus the (1-2) Elkhart Elks this Friday.
After a second-straight loss at home against Kirbyville, the Bulldogs are in need of a win over the next couple of weeks before starting a competitive district schedule in October.
Corrigan was in a similar position at this point last season before having the chance to bounce back over Elkhart. Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff still favors the path ahead if key improvements are made, starting this Friday.
“Each year brings new challenges and we definitely have some things to work on. Although, I do feel we are in a better position this year with our players understanding roles and assignments, aside from breaking in a couple of new guys,” said Ratliff. “The teams we have played so far were that much better this year and those were good battles.”
The Elks suffered a 47-0 shutout defeat at home last week against the Kerens Bobcats. Elkhart also struggled week one in a blowout loss visiting the Lovelady Lions, then bounced back with a close 16-14 victory on the road over the Warren Warriors.
Elkhart is led by first-year head coach Ryan Blackmon, who previously served as assistant coach and took over for former athletic director Cody Day. After serving just two years at Elkhart, Day left his position to become athletic director at Coldspring-Oakhurst.
The Bulldog defense will look to stop Elkhart junior back and returning starter Dalton Walker, a key weapon for the Elk offense that is more run-heavy this season.
“Blackmon has not changed much there, but I do think they are running the ball more than they have the past couple of years. They still work from a lot of multiple formations,” Ratliff said. “Walker is a special player, and they are trying to do a lot to isolate and showcase him.”
Last season, the Elks finished 3-7 overall and 2-4 in district to miss the postseason. Elkhart’s district wins were two high-scoring blowouts over Buffalo and Winona.
Corrigan won last year’s matchup 21-8 at home, powered by a strong defensive performance and a relentless ground game.
Elkhart tried to fight back in the second half, but the Bulldogs sealed the win with a late touchdown and solid clock management.
Kickoff for Friday’s non-district game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Jerry Ives Memorial Stadium
