Playing Oscar Smith High School on the road is a tough task for any team. It was no different for the Bulldogs Friday night.

Playing with three key players due to injury, King’s Fork High School lost 55-7, putting them at 3-6 on the season. KFHS played without Chris Shearin, Justin German and Jamison Long.

“We learned a lot about ourselves as far as how we can compete,” Bulldogs coach Scottie Littles said. “That’s an experienced senior-led team over there. No excuses. We have to play better in spots if we want to compete in the 4A playoffs.”

After the first quarter, Oscar Smith was up 14-0. By halftime, Oscar Smith was up 34-0.

Five of the seven touchdowns the Tigers scored came through the air. With Shearin not playing, the Tigers looked to take advantage of the Bulldogs’ secondary.

“Our guys won’t forget what that feeling felt like after the game,” Littles said. “They fought and never gave in.”

The Bulldogs felt they played well in spurts during the game but ultimately gave up too many explosive plays. Oscar Smith returned two Bulldogs interceptions for touchdowns. During the game, running back Darran Butts surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for his career. He ran for 103 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown. Before the game, Butts knew what was at stake and knew that reaching the milestone was a big accomplishment.

“This is a big accomplishment for me,” Butts said. “Without my line, coaches and teammates, I wouldn’t be even close to 1,000 yards.”

Bulldogs receiver Cherrod Joe added nine catches for 50 yards and has set a single-season record for receiving yards for King’s Fork.

“Our system is built to get multiple people involved,” Littles said. “Our guys are able to make plays in our system, and they’re seeing success.”

King’s Fork will close out the regular season at home against Deep Creek. It will be senior night, and Littles wants to make sure the Bulldog seniors are sent out well. The game is at 7 p.m. Nov. 4.