Surviving the Scare: Bulldogs Grind Past Cheraw to Extend Streak in Brutal Battle

CHERAW, S.C. – For two years running, the final result has been the same: a Marlboro County victory over Cheraw. The path to get there, however, could not have been more different.

After a dominant, no-contest win a year ago, the Bulldogs found themselves in a street fight Friday night. They absorbed Cheraw's best shot and delivered the final blow, surviving a tense, physical battle to escape with a 27-20 victory and extend their streak over the Braves.

Gone was the ease of their previous meeting. Instead, the Bulldogs were forced to dig deep, relying on the stellar play of sophomore phenom Tre Blakeney to weather the storm. Blakeney was the engine of the Marlboro County offense, grinding out 102 tough rushing yards and punching in three essential touchdowns to counter every Cheraw attempt to seize momentum.

The Braves, riding high from a 48-7 rout of McBee, proved they are a transformed team. They traded punches with the Bulldogs for four quarters, showcasing a grit and resolve that was absent in their previous matchup. While the result adds another loss to their record (1-1), the performance signals a significant step forward for the program.

For Marlboro County (2-0), the win is a different kind of statement. It's a testament to their resilience and ability to win a close, brutal game on the road—a mark of a truly seasoned team.

The Braves will look to build on their hard-fought performance when they welcome Conway to town next Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Marlboro County, battle-tested and still perfect, returns home to face a formidable challenge against Gray Collegiate Academy, also at 7:30 p.m. ET.