Dixon hasn't had much luck against Croatan recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Bulldogs will look to defend their home field against the Cougars at 7:00 p.m. Dixon has given up an average of 35.3 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Friday, Dixon lost to Richlands at home by a 41-26 margin. The matchup marked the Bulldogs' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.
JJ Gulat
| 10/24/25 vs Richlands | 240 |
| 10/17/25 @ Northside - Jacksonville | 235 |
| 10/10/25 @ Havelock | 219 |
| 10/03/25 vs Swansboro | 343 |
| 09/19/25 @ West Carteret | 371 |
| + 10 more games |
Despite their defeat, Dixon saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. JJ Gulat, who rushed for 240 yards and one score while picking up 10.0 yards per carry, and also threw for 75 yards and one TD on only five passes, was perhaps the best of all. Gulat's rushing production has been exceptional for a while as that marked his 15th straight game with at least 103 rushing yards dating back to last season. Sean Delaney was another key rusher, gaining 113 total yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Croatan hadn't done well against West Carteret recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Cougars breezed past the Patriots to the tune of 49-21. The Cougars might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven games by 28 points or more this season.
Dixon better keep an eye on Andrew Boucher. He was instrumental in Croatan's win, rushing for 264 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 10.6 yards per carry. With that strong performance, Boucher is now averaging an impressive 117.7 rushing yards per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Kannon McBride, who threw for 134 yards and a pair of TDs while completing 80% of his passes.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Croatan was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 290 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Croatan didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Riley Robinson and Everett Fitzsimmons.
The win made it two in a row for Croatan and bumps their season record up to 8-1. The team dominated over those games too, winning by an average of 29.5 points. As for Dixon, their loss dropped their record down to 5-4.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Dixon has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 471.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Croatan struggles in that department as they've been averaging 154.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Dixon was dealt a bruising 51-22 defeat at the hands of Croatan in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
