Bulldogs trounce Braves

CHERAW — The Marlboro County Bulldogs kicked off the season with huge win over their rivals, the Cheraw Braves.

The Bulldogs defeated the Braves 30 to 17. The offense had a slow start as penalties stopped their momentum on the opening drive, but in the second half, the Bulldogs’s offense opened up behind the play of Justin Purvis (WR, CB).

“I like their play and their tenacity,” said Head Coach Quin McCollum after the win. “I like their attitude and I like their mind set.”

Friday’s game was the first time since the pandemic that the Bulldogs traveled to Cheraw to play their rivals. And with a bit of chippy play, it was clear that the rivalry was still alive and well.

“It’s a heated rivalry,” McCollum said. “It can go either way every year, but I’m glad to be on the top side of this one. It’s a major accomplishment.”

The Braves were moving the ball well with the wishbone offense, but after a few adjustments, the Bulldog defense was ready and held the Braves scoreless in the third quarter, even though the Braves had the benefit of time of possession in that quarter. The defense was able to shut down Cheraw’s running game.

McCollum said Jarrell Williams had a stellar performance on defense, recording over 10 tackles, four for loss of yards, and one and a half sacks.

“He’s hard to deal with,” he said. “One of the guys who does not get a lot of attention is Josiah Benton-Lowe, who is a 10th grader. A hard to move individual and he did a great job for us.”

McCollum added that Coreyon Gregg was another standout on defense, recording 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and two and half sacks. And he was also a key play maker on the offense, rushing for 117 yards with four carries and a touchdown.

Special teams also came up big for the Bulldogs Friday night as well.

McCollum said that he was happy to have the victory. “It’s been a long week for us, a very long week for myself. My mother has been in the hospital since Saturday, the coaches have done a phenomenal job of picking up the slack and the guys — they ran with it, so I’m proud of that.”

The game was emotional for McCollum and on both sidelines, he said he was met with prayers and well wishes for what he was going though. “Everybody did their part this week and it just made it that more sweeter,” he said.

Following the win, Purvis reflected on the game and his teammates. “Having this great team and this great coach, Coach Quin McCollum, just working me hard every day. It’s really nothing that can step in front of me,” he said. Purvis credits his coach with making him better every day and it shows on the field.

Purvis broke off a 70 yard punt return and he thanked his teammates for standing up and providing the big blocks needed to make the play happen.

“I know my guys can finish a game,” he said excitedly. “And taking it into next week, we know we got to start better and we’ll become a better team.”

The Bulldogs host the battle of the border this Friday as the Fight Scots from Laurinburg, N.C. travel to McAlpine Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.