The Bulldogs football team took a 40-36 loss to Great Bridge High School Friday.

The King’s Fork High School football team matched up with Great Bridge for their homecoming game. It was a chance for the Bulldogs to bounce back after losing their previous three games. However, a bad start by the Bulldogs put them in a hole they’d have to spend the rest of the game digging themselves out of.

Great Bridge ran out to a 33-7 lead in the first half, which forced King’s Fork to play catch-up for the rest of the game.

“Our effort wasn’t where it needed to be in the first half, which was disappointing, but it was way better in the second half,” Coach Kermit Buggs said. “We can’t get down like that and have to find a way to claw back.”

Buggs did applaud the good things the Bulldogs were able to do but knows that they have a long way to go as he continues to get acclimated to his team, and they get acclimated to their new coach.

“The kids fought back and did some things we needed to do, but again it just wasn’t enough,” Buggs said. “I’m still learning these guys, and they are still learning me, and I’m hoping we can respond next game. We are going to get back to it at practice, and we are going to continue to work.”

Natouris Knight led the way in scores, adding two touchdown catches. Kaletri Boyd, Leonta Johnson and Bravion Campbell each added rushing touchdowns.

King’s Fork will take on Hickory High School at home Friday night. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Bulldogs will need to finish out the season strong. With three games left and two at home, King’s Fork can find a way to build some momentum.