Bulldogs Carry Momentum Into New Waverly Matchup

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT — The Crockett Bulldogs will return to Monte Jack Driskell Stadium Friday night to host New Waverly in The Messenger Game of the Week.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

The Bulldogs enter the matchup with a 1-1 record after defeating Coldspring-Oakhurst, 41-20, on the road Sept. 4. Crockett Head Coach and Athletic Director Jody Jordan said the team’s preparation centered on returning to the fundamentals.

“After the Mexia game, we kind of went back to some basics,” Jordan said. “We really worked on tackling, ball security and conditioning. We had a great Monday practice doing those three parts of the game, and then we got to put it all together Friday night.”

Crockett established control early against Coldspring-Oakhurst. Christopher “C.J.” Bell broke loose for a run of approximately 40 yards, carrying the Bulldogs deep into the red zone and helping set up the opening score.

“From the get-go, they kicked off to us,” Jordan said. “We had a big play that carried us 40 or 50 yards down inside the 20, and then we scored. It was like clockwork. We stopped them on defense, came back and scored again and stopped them again. I don’t think they had a first down until midway through the third quarter.”

Jordan said Crockett’s roster may not be large, but every player has been asked to contribute.

“We don’t have a big squad as far as numbers, so everybody’s got to play and everybody’s got to contribute,” he said.

Jacorrion “Biscuit” Griffin scored two touchdowns in the victory. Kanthony Epps, who serves as Crockett’s second quarterback while also seeing action in every game, added a 20-yard touchdown run. Jordan also praised starting quarterback Jaylen White and the Bulldogs’ offensive line.

“Jaylen had a good game and did a real good job,” Jordan said. “Our O-line was excellent. That was a big part of it. They helped get our backs in some space.”

The Bulldogs also received important contributions on defense and special teams. Kylan Yarbrough delivered a hard hit on the opposing quarterback that caused a fumble, which Christopher Bell recovered and returned approximately 40 yards.

Logan Porter also recovered a loose ball on special teams after hustling downfield on the play.

“Our cornerback, Logan Porter, plays on special teams,” Jordan said. “He hustled down, the guy dropped the ball and he jumped on it.”

Crockett did not have to punt during the game, and Omar Gonzalez converted five of six extra-point attempts.

“He did a great job kicking for us,” Jordan said. “The one he missed wasn’t really his. It was kind of a bad snap.”

New Waverly will present a different challenge. Jordan said the team runs a spread offense similar to what Crockett saw last season and has a senior-heavy roster with significant size along the offensive and defensive lines.

“They’re a little better this year, and I think we are, too,” Jordan said. “They have a big senior team, so those guys played last year and are coming back for their senior year.”

Jordan said Crockett may have an advantage in overall team speed, but the Bulldogs will have to account for New Waverly’s size up front.

“It’s going to be a game of chess—how they line up, how we attack it and what adjustments we make to keep them from throwing the ball and making big plays down the field,” he said.

Jordan declined to make a prediction but said he believes Crockett can compete with any opponent when the Bulldogs execute the fundamentals.

“I always feel good going to games,” he said. “We always have a chance. If we have ball security, don’t have missed tackles that turn into big plays, and our conditioning holds up, I believe we can beat anybody.”

Jordan also said the positive atmosphere around Crockett schools has carried into the athletic programs. He credited Superintendent Damenion Miller with setting a strong tone and praised the coaching staff for its commitment to the players.

“I think it spills over to us in athletics,” Jordan said. “We’ve got a quality coaching staff all around for athletics, and they care for the kids, most importantly their safety. I’ve had a lot of positive comments. Our kids are ready to play, and we’re excited to coach them.”

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]