The Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs return home Friday for another important district matchup when they host the Groveton Indians.
Corrigan enters this season’s Battle of 287 rivalry game at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in district after falling 31-21 on the road against Leon last Friday. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Bulldogs.
Groveton comes into Friday’s matchup at 2-3 overall and 1-0 in district after opening league play with a 43-35 victory over Iola.
The 43 points were a season high for the Indians and snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Indians opened the season with a narrow 32-30 victory over Alto before falling 41-21 against Trinity, 55-20 at San Augustine and 52-6 at Grapeland.
Despite those struggles, Groveton was able to regroup following an open week and produce its best offensive performance of the season against Iola.
Groveton is led by second-year head coach Scott Green and finished 3-8 in 2025 after an 0-10 mark in 2024, but reached the playoffs last season before falling in the bi-district round.
The Groveton offense features sophomore quarterback Jasper Due, along with junior running back Jay Smith and senior receiver Ruger McLain.
“Groveton’s quarterback and passing game is really dangerous. We are definitely going to have to come disciplined after what we saw in Leon,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “I think we are well prepared, but it is a rivalry game. Both teams are going to give 100 percent.”
Friday will renew one of the longest-running rivalries in East Texas, dating back to their first matchup in 1931.
The rivalry has produced several more meetings in recent years. Groveton defeated Corrigan 56-34 in 2023 before the Bulldogs responded with a 20-18 home victory in 2024.
Corrigan controlled last year’s matchup in Groveton, rolling to a 43-7 victory. The Bulldogs rushed for more than 450 yards in the win, with William Ratliff running for 217 yards and three touchdowns and Derrick Reagie adding 244 yards and another score.
Corrigan will look to bounce back from last week’s loss and avoid falling below .500 in the district race.
“We were so excited about the Centerville win, but we cannot have a letdown after that game. Every week needs to be a little more consistent.” Ratliff said.
With both teams still in the early portion of the district schedule, Friday’s matchup could become important later in determining playoff positioning.
Kickoff for Friday’s district rivalry game is set for 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium in Corrigan.
