Every time the Pike County Bulldogs tried to claw their way back in the game, one small mistake kept the Barbour County Jaguars just out reach.

Pike County dropped its first game of the season 30-12 in Clayton Friday night. The Jaguars used big play after big play to jump out to a big 18-0 lead in the first half.

Head coach Fred Holland knew that the Jags had athleticism, and it showed during the first half.

“They are a talented football team,” said Holland. “The are experienced and have been to playoffs multiple times. Barbour County has some good athletes and they will surprise some folks this season.”

The Bulldogs did not fold their tent and pack up when the big plays came, but they never could get footing in the ball game.

Pike appeared to answer the initial Jaguar touchdown on the ensuing kickoff. Damion Adams fielded the ball at the 15 and took it straight up the middle for a would be touchdown. The play came all the way back on an apparent block in the back, and took the wind out of the Bulldog’s sails early.

“It got us down a little bit,” Holland said. “But when you are on the road, things like happen. We have to learn to battle through those things and keep playing hard.”

The Bulldogs were out gained 342 to 256 for the game. The majority of the yards came on two of the Bulldogs’ final possessions.

Pike drove 65 yards midway through the fourth quarter to get on the board. Kamari Jackson found Stevie Smiley on a post-route from 15 yards out for the Bulldog’s first score of the night.

Late in the quarter, Marquavis Rogers hit Deshon Cowling in the back of the end zone for a score as the clock struck zero.

Holland was happy with the way his team finished.

“We finished strong,” said Holland. “We didn’t fold our tent. I like the way we played at the end, we just have to have a better start next week.”

Pike County will play at Dale County next Friday.