Purcell moved the ball last Friday night at Lindsay and had several chances to score but were unable to finish drives in a 32-6 season opening loss at the hands of the Leopards.

The Dragons cracked the Red Zone three times and four times drove the pigskin inside the Lindsay 30, but only had six points to show for it.

“That’s the game right there,” head coach Aaron Dillard said.

Purcell’s lone score was a two-yard fourth quarter Deaken Dobbins plunge. The PAT was no good.

“At times we had several people playing well,” Dillard continued. “But at other times no one was playing well.”

Senior Oscar Wren gained 44 yards on a reception in the contest.

The leading rusher was Cash Cook, who gained 54 yards on three carries.

Purcell finished with 228 yards rushing and 57 passing for a total offense of 285 yards for the game.

“Our first drive was 13 plays for 70 yards when we fumbled on the two yard line,” Dillard lamented.

Purcell started off well in the second half.

Down 14-0 the Dragons put together another long drive.

“We got down there again and fumbled and Lindsay got a scoop and score,” the coach said.

“I’m proud of the defensive line including Landon Clarke, Cannan Haynes and Dylan Smith,” Dillard said. “That unit played the best for us defensively.

“We struggled to make tackles on the perimeter and everywhere. We had chances to  stop guys in the backfield and missed tackles we should make.

“They had some big, strong kids but we should hang on until someone can come in and help you,” Dillard confirmed.

Linebacker and wide receiver Brody Walkup sustained a compound fractured finger that will be checked out by an orthopedic physician this week.

“He’s out for this week but we’re hopeful to get him back soon,” the coach said.

With the talented Warriors coming to town Friday night, Dillard expects a huge challenge.

“Since they got upset last week, I’m sure they will be out for blood,” Dillard said. “The key for us is to finish drives. We move the ball well but when you cross into the Red Zone you’ve got to get points. You need to score touchdowns.

“Defensively, we will need to limit the big plays. We need to run to the ball and tackle,” he concluded

Dragon notes:

Purcell Head Coach Aaron Dillard nominated Dylan Smith as the Offensive Lineman of the Week. Smith graded out at 77 percent against Lindsay.

There were no other nominations.