Bulldogs top Foxes in opener

CAMDEN- The Camden Bulldogs opened its 2008 football season with a win in one of the oldest prep football match ups in South Carolina defeating the Hartsville Red Foxes 26-14 at Kemp Stadium Friday night.

The Bulldogs interior offensive ine blocked well for quarterback Josh Council, and he threw for three touchdowns in the first half, including a 69-yard pass to Alvonta Jenkins on the opening drive. Council used his legs along with those of running back Savonn Wingate.
The Hartsville defense gave up 18 points in the first half but tightened in the second quarter only allowing the Bulldogs to score once. Camden played conservatively in the second half as head coach Jimmy Neal said he wanted to put Hartsville in a position to have to score quickly.

“Yes,” he agreed. “We got a little conservative there, but it was 26-7. We’re trying to win. We’re trying to get our guys back on that dang road again and the worst thing we can do right now is not when one we’ve got the lead in.” Neal said he was pleased with the ability to begin the season with a win against a team like Hartsville.

Camden’s defense also played very physical and often had nine and 10 defenders on the line against the Foxes’ offense.

The Foxes offense struggled to find any rhythm, and the younger players showed signs of inexperience with a few fumbles on handoffs and snaps. The offense managed to put together a few drives, but was unable to get into the end zone more than twice.

Hartsville did show what it could do when the offense was working well on a 69-yard scamper by running back Dre Scott. Ronnie Jackson and Eric Williams also had runs of six and sevens yards consistently. But the Foxes had a few penalties the slowed any rhythm that gathered.

Hartsville head coach Jeff Calabrese was disappointed after the game. “We got tails cut,” he said. “Camden was very aggressive and made the plays . . .  and we just did not perform very well. This town certainly deserves a lot more than that. And we are going to work hard to get better.” The coach said he did see hustle and hard running from the running backs and the special teams played well. He added the team will use the game to further evaluate the team and continue to work hard in practice.

The Foxes(0-1) will face Darlington High School on Friday, Aug. 29, in Hartsville at 7:30 p.m. for the Falcons‘ season opener, and Camden will travel to Kershaw to Face North Central at 8 p.m.