BENNETTSVILLE—Marlboro County Bulldogs head coach Quin McCollum is proud of his young team following a big win against Ridgeland-Hardeeville last Friday. And Bulldog Nation is thankful the long road trip is over.
Friday night the Bulldogs won against the Jaguars 38-24 behind outstanding play from the defense, special teams and offense. Especially in the second half.
“We wanted to make sure that we did everything we could possibly do to take advantage of opportunities,” he said. McCollum teaches his team not to play on emotions but to keep working for the win. And that was evident in Friday’s game as the Bulldogs were down at the half.
But a fake punt play call and a dominant defensive stand helped the Bulldogs secure the victory. “Hats off to our coaching staff, hats off to our young men, hats off to our fans and everyone who kept us up.”
Now the Bulldogs are coming home to face a tough Dillon team. And if you believe the fans who follow football on Facebook, the Bulldogs don’t stand a chance.
Dillon has a 3-1 record behind a sophomore quarterback. McCollum said the key to victory starts with a great week of practice and playing sound, fundamental football.
“What I have to remind the team of is that the other team practices too and you have to be ready for whatever occurs,” he said.
And Dillon is coached by a former Marlboro County Bulldog Kevin Roller. McCollum said they are a well-coached team and they try to do great things every year.
“They have a number of weapons,” McCollum said.
But the Wildcats will probably play like most teams the Bulldogs have faced this year and keep their kick-off (or try to) out of the skilled hands of special teams kick-off return player Justin Purvis.
“We have to do all of the little things right, take what they give us, and use it to our advantage,” he said. “We just have to be ready to play football on Friday.”
And because it’s a rivalry, McCollum said he has to remind his players to keep focused.
“You have to stay on an even keel. There are going to be big plays in this game. There are going to be some highs and some lows, but you have to make sure you’re about the business of playing football and not get caught up in that other stuff.”