Head Coach Cory Johnson. (Photo by Demarco Bostic | The Herald-Advocate).
MARLBORO COUNTY — The Marlboro County Bulldogs suffered their first defeat of the season Friday night, falling 27–14 to the Gray Collegiate War Eagles in a hard-fought home matchup that tested both grit and resilience.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Cory Johnson, the Bulldogs entered the game undefeated and energized, but the contest quickly turned into a physical battle that left several players sidelined with injuries.
The game was evenly matched through the first half, with both teams locked at 7–7 heading into the break. But Gray Collegiate found their rhythm in the third quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and defensive stops to pull ahead. Despite a late push from the Bulldogs, the War Eagles held firm, sealing the win and handing Marlboro County its first loss of the season.
The injuries sustained during the game have raised concerns heading into next week’s matchup against Conway, scheduled for Friday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs will need to rely on their depth and discipline as they prepare to bounce back on home turf.
The Bulldogs may have stumbled, but their spirit and their season are far from over. As Coach Johnson and his squad turn the page, all eyes are on Conway. The road to redemption begins now.