Flu bug, Bulldogs bite Owls in first loss

CORRIGAN- It was a tough week for the Anderson-Shiro Owls as they were bit first by the flu bug and then bit again by the Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs with a 23-6 loss Friday night.

The Owls (7-1, 2-1) couldn’t get the ball rolling offensively against Corrigan-Camden (6-2, 3-0) in a loss that put Anderson-Shiro into third place in District 12-3A Div. II behind the Bulldogs and Newton.

The Owls got great production from its run game with Zacarrius Haynes rushing for 104 yards on 21 carries and Shyheim Jones toting the ball seven times for 43 yards. Unfortunately, for the Owls they couldn’t find pay dirt.

Corrigan-Camden accumulated 208 yards on the ground and found the endzone on three occasions.

“It was a tough week for us,” said Owl head coach Brad Hodges. “We had the flu bug knock some of our guys out of practice for most of the week and some even from the game Friday. We had to really adjust our game plan throughout the week based on that. We still felt good about our chances and it was a competitive game, but we just made too many mistakes against a good team and that gets you beat.”

Hodges said the Bulldogs executed well in tough wet conditions and that was the difference. “We certainly had our chances on both sides of the ball but it all kind of added up on us and we couldn’t get over that hump. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort some of these guys gave just to play in the game. It shows a ton of grit, selflessness and commitment and we respect that as coaches.”

Kreese Milligan led the Bulldog charge defensively with 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked extra-point and a blocked punt.

Landon Stem chipped in on defense with 8 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Zane Moriarty graded out at 82 percent on the offensive line with 8 knockdowns.

The Owls travel to face the Kountze Lions Friday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Corrigan-Camden will venture to play the #3 Newton Eagles Friday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m.