Sophomore quarterback Jackson Smith had a 43-yard touchdown pass, ran for a 15-yard score in Cornersville’s win at Collinwood on Friday. (Post File Photo by Chris Siers)
STAFF REPORT
COLLINWOOD — Through the first few weeks of the season, it was tough losses for the Cornersville Bulldogs (1-2, 1-0) with losses to the Webb School and county rival Forrest.
While losses sting, no matter when they came, on Friday, Cornersville got in the win column for the first time this season, beating Collinwood 28-13 to open the Region 5-A schedule.
While the offense struggled to gain traction in the first quarter that saw the teams deadlocked in a scoreless tie, the ‘Dawgs’ offense ran wild in a second quarter that saw a 28-point outburst.
Sophomore quarterback Jackson Smith got the party started with a 15-point touchdown run with 5:43 left in the half.
Smith went to the air and connected with Brandon Hargrave on a 43-yard score with 2:23 left in the half.
The freshman signal caller ran in the successful 2-point conversion for the 14-0 Cornersville lead.
While the offense found its footing in the second quarter, the Bulldog defense came through with just over a minute left in the second.
Hunter Uland came through with a 6-yard scoop and score fumble recovery and again, Smith connected with Hargrave for the successful 2-point conversion pass.
Cornersville found one final score in the third when again the defense came through with points on the board.
Hayden Cherry recorded the interception returned for a touchdown and by halftime, the ‘Dawgs built a commanding 28-0 lead.
While the Bulldogs grabbed a dominating first-half lead, the Trojans didn’t sit idly by.
Collinwood’s ground game found a pair of fourth-quarter scores with Brady Holt scoring the first touchdown with 11:54 left in the game.
After Holt’s 10-yard run, the ‘Dawgs’ defense held firm through the remainder of the fourth quarter, until Harris Rich scored on a 2-yard run with 37 seconds left in the game.
With the first region victory secured, the Bulldogs return to Frog Bottom on Friday night and will step out of region play, welcoming Ezell-Harding for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Cornersville 0 28 0 0 — 28
Collinwood 0 0 0 13 —13
Corn. — Jackson Smith 15 run, (2pt. run failed), 5:43.
Corn. — Brandon Hargrave 43 pass from Jackson Smith, (Smith 2pt. run), 2:23.
Corn. — Hunter Uland 6 fumble recovery, (Hargrave 2pt. pass from Smith), 1:08.
Corn. — Hayden Cherry interception return, (2pt. run failed), 0:11.
Fourth Quarter
Col. — Brody Holt 10 run, (Holt kick), 11:54.
Col. — Harris Rich 2 run, (Kick failed), 0:37.
*Stats courtesy of Kevin Riner
