Claiborne Bulldogs football made the long trip to Unicoi County Sept. 15.

The Bulldogs gave up two early scores during the opening quarter of play. The first score was a one yard run by Brock Thompson but the PAT was blocked by the Bulldogs. The second touchdown of the night occurred at the 2:29 mark of the first when Brett Strother ran five yards. Thompson completed the two point conversion pass to Austin O’Dell to lead 14-0.

During the first two quarters the Bulldogs struggled on offense finishing the first half behind 21-0 after Owen Nicholson stepped in front of a Eli Stone pass.

The defenses took over during the second half and by the end of the game Unicoi had all the points they needed and took the victory 21-0. Claiborne never found the end zone.

Claiborne’s leading rushers was Bryce Laws with 65 yards and Elijah Beason with 37. Hadyn Hollin led the Bulldogs in receiving yards with 27. Matt Cupp played well again on defense leading the team with six solo tackles and had one sack. Lukas Neely had 4.5 tackles.

The Bulldogs will return home Sept. 22 for the Blue Devils night versus Oliver Springs. Many special things are planned and each and every former Blue Devil are invited out to the game (sports or non-sports) and will have the opportunity to walk out on the field at halftime.

Reach Allen Earl at 423-254-5588 or in Twitter @pitchadude