The Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs opened district play with a milestone 21-10 victory over the Centerville Tigers on Friday.
As the Bulldogs controlled much of the pace on the ground, their defense repeatedly came through in key situations and turned away multiple Tiger scoring opportunities in the second half.
“We were starting to click last week, and things are going at the right time. Our defense has stepped up tremendously since week one and helped put us in great positions,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “Plus, we are finding all kinds of ways to run that ball. (Derrick) Reagie is doing his thing and everyone is blocking for him and others.”
Corrigan’s offense exploded early, and Bulldog senior running back Reagie got a big chunk gain on the ground to get near the red zone.
Moments later, junior quarterback Da’Tavin Love would take the option himself into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown and the early 7-0 lead for Corrigan.
Centerville tried to respond on their first drive, powering uphill for consistent gains to get within scoring distance. After a third-down pass was dropped, the Tigers would settle for a mid-range field goal by kicker Carlos Solorzano to cut the deficit late in the first.
A double reverse by Corrigan was nearly fumbled away by Emmanuel Foreman, but he picked it up to start Corrigan’s next possession with a huge run going into the second quarter.
Shortly after, Reagie ran through multiple lanes on a highlight 32-yard touchdown run that extended the Bulldog lead, 14-3.
Later in the second, Corrigan would give up a fumble to set Centerville well inside Bulldog territory. This helped set up Tiger running back C.J. Craig to break for a short touchdown run, cutting the deficit again at 14-10 late in the half.
Corrigan’s offense was near the red zone in the closing minute of the half, but stalled out and had an unsuccessful field goal try.
A facemask penalty helped move the chains into Bulldog territory for Centerville to start the third quarter. Despite this, the Bulldog defense held strong and put a stop to the potential scoring drive for a turnover on downs.
Love took another long-distance keeper into Centerville territory on the next Corrigan possession.
Reagie followed up for the run of the night, evading the initial tackle and dragging two Tiger defenders into the end zone for a huge touchdown, extending the lead to 21-10 late in the third.
Centerville continued to fight later in the fourth quarter with a big pass to tight end Chris Bell. Later on fourth-and-goal, the pass attempt was broken up for a turnover on downs and helped seal the win for Corrigan-Camden.
The Bulldogs will travel for week two of the district schedule to play against the Leon Cougars, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
