The Corrigan-Camden suffered a 27-0 shutout loss at home versus the Hardin Hornets on Friday.
Similar to last year's matchup, it was a challenge upfront for Corrigan, as the Hornets were consistent on the ground and even made clutch pass plays at times.
“Hardin controlled the ball and clock for most of the first half. I thought we played tough defense, but they nickel and dimed us,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “Offensively, we just could not get things going.”
Although the game stayed within reach in the second half, the Bulldog offense had no real opportunities to get on the board late.
“We still had a good attitude and played hard,” Ratliff said after the game. “I could tell they wore on us at the end and we do not ever want to be in that situation.”
The Bulldogs’ opening possession started on the ground with steady gains, leading to senior Mason Murphy making a big first down reception.
On fourth and very long, Murphy nearly made the conversion, but was hit hard after the catch just short of the marker.
The Hornet offense started quick with their sweep runs for steady chunks of yardage.
Near the red zone, Hornet senior back Taylor Jones took a left-side carry for a big gain to get Hardin inside the 10-yard line.
Later, on third down, Jones would punch it in for the four-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter. This gave Hardin the early 6-0 lead with the extra point kick no good.
Things got rougher for Corrigan, as senior Derrick Reagie looked to make a big gain, but turned the ball over on a fumble.
The ball was picked up and taken by Hardin all the way to the 10-yard line.
Another sweep for Jones later went five yards for a touchdown run to extend the lead at 14-0 with a two-point conversion.
Hardin’s offense reached Bulldog territory to start the third quarter, but Corrigan made a stop on fourth-and-short for the turnover.
Later in the third, the Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs and immediately recovered a fumble to regain possession.
However, Corrigan could not capitalize and was forced to punt.
Early in the fourth quarter, Hornet junior tight end Cade Drake made a huge catch on a corner route inside the red zone.
This led to Hornet senior Javion Watley powering up the middle for a 13-yard touchdown run to make it a three-score game.
Jones would run inside for a six-yard touchdown run to further extend the lead in the final minutes.
The Bulldogs will host their next non-district game against the Kirbyville Wildcats this Friday.
