The Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs dominated the Battle of Highway 287 in a 43-7 blowout victory over the Groveton Indians on Friday.
The first district match of 2025 meant a lot more than earning a win, as the Bulldogs honored teammate Daniel Rivera, who tragically passed after suffering a medical emergency during the last non-district game at home versus Joaquin.
“What we try to teach as coaches has taken on a new meaning this season. They always hear these things from the coaches, and they get a good grasp of that, but now it is real,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “We have to face it head-on as a group and they have done an amazing job at that. I think it showed in their play tonight.”
Even with emotions running high, the Bulldogs managed to handle business on both sides of the ball and begin the district schedule with a 1-0 record.
“It was a sloppy game overall, as most rivalry games are. They played their hearts out and I am so proud of their effort,” Ratliff said. “Once we found our rhythm on offense, we took advantage. We also threw the ball well, despite some drops. Our defense still played great, just giving up one big play. They are understanding what is expected and getting our offense back on the field. We just have to keep that going.”
Both teams suffered three-and-outs to start before Mason Murphy made a one-handed pick on defense to help spark Corrigan. However, the Bulldog offense could not capitalize on the next possession and gave up the ball on downs.
Bulldog junior running back Derrick Reagie eventually got things rolling late in the first quarter with a massive run deep into Indian territory.
A few plays later, Bulldog senior back Murphy caught a short pass from senior quarterback William Ratliff for an eight-yard touchdown. This gave Corrigan the early 7-0 lead.
Groveton’s offense fumbled on a big hit, which set up another opportunity for the Bulldogs in the second quarter. Reagie continued to slash through the Indian defense with huge ground gains, setting up his own three-yard touchdown run to extend the lead 14-0 for Corrigan.
Things got worse for Groveton with a mishandled return on the following kickoff that was recovered by the Bulldogs. Murphy exploded on a run along the sideline that nearly reached the goal line. Ratliff went in for a one-yard touchdown to make it a three-score lead.
The Indian offense managed to march into the red zone late in the half, but fell short of the marker and Corrigan would take over again. Despite this, Groveton forced the Bulldogs to punt from deep and finally got their chance to strike in the final moments of the half.
Groveton senior quarterback Ty Torregrossa threw a bomb to freshman wide receiver Blake Chaney into the end zone, which put Groveton on the board 21-7 at halftime.
Corrigan started the second half quickly, powering down the field with more big runs from Reagie. The Bulldogs finished that drive with Ratliff on a two-yard tush push, extending the lead 28-7 in the third quarter.
Ratliff later broke free for his biggest play of the night, a long-distance touchdown run to help make it 36-7 late in the third, including the two-point conversion.
Corrigan quickly regained possession, and Tahj Thomas would catch a deep touchdown pass for the final score going into the fourth.
The Bulldogs will look to ride this momentum, scheduled to host their next district match Thursday at 5 p.m. against the Hearne Eagles.
