Trojan rushing attack to test ‘Dogs

By Albert Trevino
Enterprise Staff

The (0-3) Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs take on the (2-1) Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojans at home in a non-district game this Friday.

Still seeking their first win during non-district play, the Bulldogs will keep things simple going against the familiar power-run attack of Coldspring’s offense.

“It is just alignment, assignment football. Especially against what Coldspring is doing,” said Bulldog head coach Brett Ratliff. “They have a great offense. It is a lot of ground and pound, but it is explosive. They try not to get too complicated, but they do not have to.”

It will need to be a much-improved effort from the young Bulldog roster, which was shut out 56-0 last week on the road against Kirbyville. Ball security is another major factor, according to Ratliff.

“Our key is to be simplistic and make sure we are in the right positions necessary. Also, we have to absolutely limit turnovers during crucial situations to keep or put us in the game,” Ratliff said. “We are going to test our physicality this week. Coldspring is going to come in, hit you in the mouth and play hard for four quarters.”

Led by head coach Ken Stanley, the Trojans came up short of the postseason last year with a 3-3 district mark and 5-5 overall record. Last season included a close 33-30 loss to Corrigan.

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Coldspring began the season with a two-game win streak. First, a 36-9 blowout at home over the Liberty Panthers. Then, a 22-14 road victory against the Splendora Wildcats.

The Trojans suffered their first defeat at home last week, 30-8 versus the ranked Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns.

Ratliff expects a strong performance from Coldspring’s offense, with returning starter and senior quarterback Luke Monroe being a potential threat in different ways.

“[Monroe] is very dynamic and will play other offensive positions. He is built for the offense for the offense they run, so we have to slow him down to have a chance,” said Ratliff.

Finding the open run lanes and consistent pass protection will be Corrigan’s best shot at scoring significant points against Coldspring’s defense this week.

“Defensively, they rally to the ball really well. They fast flow and swarm the ball. They are not going to try to overpower you for five or six linemen down,” Ratliff said. “We need good reads when we run the football and have to give our quarterback ample time to throw when we need to.”

Kickoff for Friday’s non-district match is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.