By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
The Pike County Bulldogs held off a late charge from the Carroll Eagles on Friday night, earning a 23-21 victory and their second consecutive win of the season.
The Bulldogs, now 4-2, took control early with a defensive play that produced the game’s first points. After Pike County’s punt rolled into the end zone, a Carroll returner attempted to bring the ball out, but the Bulldogs stopped him at the 1-yard line.
Pike County’s defense finished the job on the following play, tackling a Carroll runner in the end zone for a safety. The Bulldogs took a 2-0 lead with 10:11 remaining in the first half.
Pike County added to its advantage later in the quarter when J. Campbell powered into the end zone from 1 yard out with 5:14 remaining before halftime. The Bulldogs led 9-0.
Carroll answered with a big play of its own, breaking loose for a 68-yard touchdown run with 4:09 left in the half. The Eagles were unable to convert the ensuing two-point attempt, leaving Pike County with a 9-6 advantage.
The Eagles had another opportunity to take control before halftime, driving inside the Pike County 5-yard line with less than 30 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs’ defense held firm, keeping Carroll out of the end zone as the first half expired.
Carroll finally moved in front during the third quarter when the Eagles returned a Pike County fumble 50 yards for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion put Carroll ahead, 14-9.
The Bulldogs quickly responded.
Campbell found the end zone for the second time, breaking free for an 18-yard touchdown run. Pike County converted another two-point attempt to regain the lead at 17-14.
Campbell delivered another key play in the fourth quarter, ripping off a 42-yard run to put the Bulldogs in position to score. A few plays later, Pike County punched the ball across the goal line from 1 yard out, extending its lead to 23-14 with 2:53 remaining.
Carroll refused to go quietly.
With 1:03 left on the clock, the Eagles scored on a 2-yard touchdown pass to pull within two points at 23-21.
Carroll then attempted an onside kick in an effort to get the ball back, but Pike County recovered the kick and was able to run out the remaining time to preserve the victory.
The win gives Pike County its second straight victory and moves the Bulldogs to 4-2 on the season.
Carroll also moves to 4-2 following the narrow loss.
Pike County will attempt to extend its winning streak to three games next week when the Bulldogs travel to face Daleville in a region matchup.
