This Friday, the Hampton Bulldogs will defend the Doghouse once again as they host the Cosby Eagles.
The ’Dogs (2-0), who broke into the Associated Press’ Top 10 Tennessee Prep Football poll at No. 9 in class 2A this week, will be coming off a two-game winning streak, in which they easily defeated their opponents. However, the Eagles (1-0) will be coming off a win of their own, after getting the best of the Unaka Rangers 36-14 last week.
When asked what he thought about the Eagles, Hampton coach Mike Lunsford had one word — “big.”
“They are huge, and they have some great athletes,” Lunsford said. “Their defensive ends play really hard. They come hard and cause some problems, and they had numerous sacks against Unaka.”
Besides their size, the Eagles’ most effective weapon last Friday was first-year quarterback Matt Lane. Lane, who had trouble throwing, going 4 of 16 for just 39 yards, was still able to do damage on the ground, rushing for 122 yards on 21 carries. He finished the night with one touchdown on the ground.
“Their quarterback can run the ball,” Lunsford said.
Last Friday, as the Bulldogs defeated the Longhorns 50-14, senior QB Coby Jones had a big night, throwing for 265 yards, while completing 9 of 12 passes. His favorite target was J.C. Chambers, who pulled in four passes for 132 recieving yards. The Bulldogs recorded four airborne TDs, while posting three on the ground.
Hampton’s Adam McClain led on the ground amassing 95 yards on 11 carries. He was followed up by Jerry Lunsford, who had 79 yards on nine carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs’ Hunter Pierce had four tackles, including two sacks. C.J. Wilson finished the game with one sack. Overall, the Hampton defense were able to hold the Longhorns to just 147 yards of total offense.
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.