Bulldogs Cruise Into Playoffs

Elks Hopes Take Hit

By Chris Boothe
Messenger Sports

ELKHART – In what looked to be a heated game between nearby rivals, the Crockett Bulldogs built an early lead and never let off against the Elkhart Elks. Crockett held a 17-0 halftime lead, and added another second half touchdown before the Elks would get their first score of the night. That would be more than enough for the Bulldogs, who picked up a 38-6 playoff clinching win on Friday night.

While the win clinched a playoff spot for the Bulldogs, it put the Elks into a must-win situation on Friday night. The Elks now find themselves in a do-or-die game against the Coldspring Trojans, with the winner likely clinching the fourth and final playoff spot.

For Crockett, the Bulldogs remain in the race for the district championship. While the Bulldogs do not entirely control their own destiny, as they need a Franklin win over Diboll, Crockett can force a three-way tie atop the standings if they can win out.

As for the game itself, Crockett broke the early defensive stalemate on a big 43-yard touchdown run by Juwaun Harris, his first of the season. This gave Crockett an early 7-0 lead over the hosting Elks. It didn’t take long for Crockett to strike again, as freshman Antonio Cruz booted a 25-yard field goal to give Crockett a 10-0 advantage.

Jordan Bedford reached pay dirt about five minutes later on a 40-yard quarterback scramble to give Crockett a 17-0 lead going into the half.

Bedford then facilitated another Crockett touchdown, this time connecting with Demarcus Richardson for a 46-yard touchdown pass extend the Bulldogs lead to 24 points.

Elkhart would finally get on the board when Cade Starr connected with Joseph Casal for a nine-yard touchdown.

Bedford would add two more touchdown passes before the night was over. First a seven yard pass to Horace, before ending the night with a 21-yard pass to Richardson, his second of the night.

Much like the Bulldogs previous win over Coldspring, Crockett did the majority of their damage on the ground. Crockett finished the night with over 300 yards rushing with Harris leading the way. Harris finished the night with 125 yards on 10 carries, while Malik Johnson pounded away for 48 yards on 11 carries. Bedford rounded out the Bulldogs rushing attack with 40 yards and a touchdown on four carries.

Speaking of Bedford, the junior went a tidy 8-17 passing for 149 yards and three touchdowns.

Richardson was recipient of two of those touchdown passes, combining for 67 yards and his only two catches of the night. Alton Owens added 3 receptions and 38 yards with Horace, Brice, and Bacon combining for 43 yards receiving on three catches and one touchdown.

Crockett will be back in action on Friday night when they play host to Westwood for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm from Monte Jack Driskell Stadium. Elkhart will hit the road for their final game of the season and look to clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Coldspring Trojans.

For a preview and complete recap, check back in The Messenger.