The (1-0) Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs will host the (0-1) Hearne Eagles Thursday evening for week two of district play.
With a short week of preparation and emotions high within the community, the Bulldogs look to build an early win streak over Hearne in order to get one step closer to competing for this season’s district title.
“Our players are very focused and driven. It is an amazing testament to how hard they have worked and how strong they are,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “To have so much going on, playing a rivalry game (last week) and playing so well. I am very proud of them.”
Corrigan started the district schedule with a 43-7 blowout road win over the Groveton Indians last week. Meanwhile, the Eagles struggled against the defending district champion Centerville Tigers in a 35-6 loss.
However, this will be a grudge match for the Bulldogs, as they suffered a 42-15 road loss in last year’s meeting at Hearne.
Despite a competitive first half in that game, things unraveled for the Bulldogs in the third quarter. Corrigan briefly led at halftime, but costly turnovers and big plays by Hearne’s offense shifted the momentum completely.
Hearne finished last season with a 4-1 district record, losing only to Centerville, and would get bounced in the area playoff round against the Honey Grove Warriors.
During non-distirct play this year, the Eagles went 1-4 and averaged 17 points, while allowing 30 points on average in that time.By contrast, Corrigan averaged 27 points per game while allowing under an average 23 points during the non-district schedule.
Based on their history, Ratliff is not taking this match lightly and knows he will need a strong defensive performance for all four quarters.
“I said last year that they were the best 0-6 team in the state when we played them and they proved that, even beating Timpson in the first round,” Ratliff said. “I think that can be said this year as well. They played a great non-district schedule. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile.”
Key weapons for Hearne’s spread offense include sophomore quarterback James Benford, sophomore wide receiver Ja’Derrius “JD” McGee and sophomore running back Andre Carraby.
Kickoff for Thursday’s district matchup is set for 5 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
