The (3-1) Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs will host the (4-0) Centerville Tigers in a battle for their share of the district title this Friday.
After a two-game win streak to help secure its playoff spot, Corrigan has an opportunity to close the regular season with an upset over the currently undefeated Tigers to tie district records.
Just weeks ago, the Bulldogs were sitting at 1-1 after a tough district loss at Hearne. It would be a turning point in the season, as Corrigan bounced back with a 46-28 home win against Normangee and its first road win 33-0 versus Leon.
“It is about going through our process. There will be setbacks at times. As long as you stay the course, good things will happen,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “This game is huge for us. There has not been a district title won here in a long time. They are hard to win, and we want to be one of those teams.”
The Tigers are the defending district champions and led by head coach Kyle Hardee. Centerville is coming off a two shutout wins over Groveton and Normangee.
In four district games so far, the Tigers have scored an average of 42 points and allowed an average of seven and a half points.
Last season, Centerville finished with a 5-0 district record and defeated the West Sabine Tigers 42-12 in the opening playoff round. However, Centerville would be eliminated 40-36 in the second round versus the Honey Grove Warriors.
Last year, the Bulldogs suffered a 55-12 blowout loss visiting Centerville, as the Tigers exploded early with rushing touchdowns to pull away in that season finale.
Corrigan’s defense will likely be tested again by Tigers’ power wing-T offense looking to use misdirection and pre-snap tricks in this Friday’s game.
“Centerville is always going to be good under that system under Coach Hardee. The pieces in that machine come and go, but they always play the same,” Ratliff said. “Defensively, we have to line up correctly and be gap-sound, like with Leon. If we do that, we will always be in a position to make plays.”
Centerville’s offense will be led by senior quarterback Maxwell Smith. Key playmakers include senior running back Trae Phillips and sophomore back Amarius Phillips.
“They will try to control the clock and pace of the game,” said Ratliff. “Smith is a really good distributor to their running backs, who are talented and younger like our backs. If they hit fast and we are not there, they can run right through it.”
Kickoff for the Friday regular season closer is set for 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
