Lineman D.J. Cratic embodies the Corrigan Bulldog smash mouth spirit.
Corrigan-Camden Beats Franklin to Advance in High School Playoffs, CROCKETT, November 19, 2010 - The Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs went up to Crockett on November 18 and took on the Franklin Lions for the Class 2A Division II Area Championship and walked away with a trophy and the championship, and another week to play in the High School Playoffs. The Franklin Lions were no pushover and they were averaging 40 points a game for the season, but the Bulldog defense kept its integrity and held up their end of the bargain for the team coming through when it counted the most. The Dogs scored first when their defense force a Lion fumble on the opening drive. The fumble was forced and recovered by Mark Armstrong (see number 50 in the highlight reel). This set up a 19 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Parker (no. 6) to Clint Platt giving the Dogs a 6 point lead after missing the PAT. The Lions answered and scored a touchdown of their own and made the extra point giving the Lions a 7 to 6 lead. In the second quarter, the Bulldog defense came through again when Emilio Ruiz (55) forced another fumble and also recovered the ball. This set up the Dogs next touchdown when quarterback Patrick Parker kept the ball and ran to his left for a five yard touchdown. The dogs converted on a 2 point conversion to make the score Dogs 14, Lions 7. Just before halftime, the Lions drove nearly the length of the field and punched it in for a touchdown and extra point tying the score. The second half became a defensive struggle as both teams couldn't score in the 3rd quarter. The defensive struggle continued for most of the 4th quarter until the Dogs were able to put together a drive and score a touchdown as running back Eric Durham ran to his right side and scored from 7 yards out. The Dogs failed on the 2 point conversion leaving them nursing a 6 point lead with a little over 3 minutes left in the game. The Dogs kicked off and the Lions began a drive from around their own 30 yard line. They began driving the ball all the way to inside the Bulldogs 40. On a 3rd down play, the Lions gave the ball to their star running back (no. 20 Darius Floyd) and Kendrick Horace (no. 10) made a crucial stop forcing Floyd out of bounds a few yards short of the first down. On 4th down Lion quarterback Mitch Williams rolled to his right and heaved a pass that was under thrown and ended up in the capable hands of Corrigan defensive back Tyler Martin (no. 5). Martin's interception with around 45 seconds left in the game preserved the victory for the Bulldogs for a final score of 20 to 14. Afterwards, head coach Seven Armstrong was presented with the Class 2A Division II Area Championship Trophy. The humble head coach was quick to hand the trophy to the players who passed it around basking in the moment and knowing they will soon play again.
Editor's Commentary: The Corrigan Bulldogs have a tradition of playing smash mouth football that's earned them 2 state titles. After starting the year off losing their first 3 games (non-district), Head Coach Seven Armstrong and the 2010 Bulldogs have gelled nicely and their defense is the cornerstone of a Bulldog team that is keeping that smash mouth tradition alive. Defense wins championships and it was the defense forcing turnovers that set up two of the Dogs touchdowns. It was such a pleasure to cover this game as the Bulldog fans (made up of many former Bulldog players) showed great spirit and were as rowdy and spirited as the Bulldogs themselves. For the offense, quarterback Patrick Parker and running back Derrick Petty are juniors and proved to be a big part of the evening's success for the Dogs. Running back and linebacker Senior Eric Durham is the offensive go to back and has been a mainstay for the offense. Senior tight end and linebacker Clint Platt proved to be a difference maker as well. From what I hear, the Dawgz next game will possibly take place in Waco against an opponent that is yet to be determined. GO BULLDOGS!
Willie P. Openshaw
The Dogs were fired up during pre-game warmups.
The Franklin Lions looked like Livingston Lions from a bygone era.
The stage was set for the big game.
The Bulldog defense was up to the task and was creating havoc for the Lion offense. The ref signals Dogs' ball after a forced fumble by the Dog defense.
The Dogs drew first blood with a toucdown pass to senior Clint Platt.
The Lions also had a stingy defense. Senior Eric Durham pounded out the tough yards throughout the evening.
The Lions answered the Dogs when their star back Darius Floyd broke a long one for a TD.
The Bulldogs were led offensively by Junior QB Patrick Parker.
Parker follows his blockers for a gain.
Andrew Harvey helps clear a path for Eric Durham.
Derick Petty carries the ball for the Bulldogs.
Head Coach Seven Armstrong (left) and Senior Robert Sparks talk it over.
Sparks tries to run in a crowded area.
Robert Sparks provided sparks for the Bulldogs. Here Sparks punishes the Lion QB.
With 3 minutes left in the game and the score tied at 14, running back Eric Durham crossed the goal line for the game's deciding score.
After the defense finished the job, the game ended with the Bulldogs hoisting the Area Championship trophy.
Head Coach Seven Armstrong was all smiles, but reminded his men that it aint over and they have practice tommorrow.
At the conclusion of the trophy presentation, the Dawgz thanked their fans who made the trip.
The fans loved their Bulldogs in return.
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