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Montgomery Catholic came to town as the top-ranked team in Class 5A and showed why with a stifling defense and several big offensive plays to post a 38-0 win over Andalusia Friday night.

The Bulldogs fell to 5-5 and 4-2 in 5A Region 2, while the Knights claimed the region title and improved to 9-0 and 6-0.

“First of all, our defense played extremely well and played hard all night long. They (Catholic) were just better than us up front and offensively. We could not get anything on our side of the ball, but the biggest thing is that we have to heal up. We know there is more football left, which is the biggest thing. We will learn from this, correct our mistakes, and go forward,” Head Coach Trent Taylor said.

Andalusia started the game at the 42-yard line in a drive that was mired by penalties on each side. Despite crossing midfield, the drive stalled and resulted in a punt. Catholic only needed three plays and less than a minute to strike first. Kingston Preyear had a 64-yard touchdown run, and Joao Costa added the PAT for a 7-0 lead with 8:15 left in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs faced a third-and-10 on their next drive and maintained possession after a 15-yard personal foul. The Knights battled back and forced a punt getting a big punt return by Michael Sheffield.

Catholic set up shop at the home 24-yard line but ran into a stingy defense. An incomplete pass resulted in a turnover on downs. Zerrick Jones had a 14-yard run on second-and-15 and moved the chains with a 3-yard gain. The defense tightened up from there and forced another Andalusia punt.

Preyear connected with B.J. Bedgood on the second play of the next drive for a 60-yard touchdown strike. The PAT was good for a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The two teams traded three-and-outs early in the second quarter. The Bulldogs started their next possession at their own 37-yard line and quickly had a false start penalty. Jones earned eight yards on two carries before Jordyn Skanes had a 9-yard carry for a first down. Skanes crossed midfield, but the defense held and stopped the drive with 5:15 left in the first half.

The Knights earned a single first down on their next series, but C.J. Likely intercepted the ball. The Bulldogs could not capitalize on the turnover as the half came to an end.

Catholic returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown, and the PAT was good for a 21-0 lead with 11:43 left in the third quarter. Andalusia started at midfield before a fumble changed hands. Giovanni Hayner earned two first downs, but the home defense held serve and forced a turnover on downs.

Jones gave the Bulldogs a first down and converted a third-and-2. The drive stalled and resulted in another punt. Bedgood opened the next visiting possession with a 21-yard run to the home 36, but the Knights could not find any more offense and turned the ball over on downs.

The game moved to the fourth quarter with Catholic driving. Hayner found the end zone from two yards out on the initial play of the final stanza. The PAT took the score to 28-0 with 11:54 to go in the game.

Andalusia was held in check again and had another three-and-out. The Knights struck fast on just four plays as Joshua Harriell capped the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. The PAT was good and pushed the lead to 35-0 at the 9:10 mark of the fourth.

The Bulldogs only managed one yard on their next drive and had to punt. Catholic was poised to score another touchdown, but the home defense forced a field goal attempt. Costa was called on and made the 20-yard attempt for the final margin of 38-0.

Andalusia finishes as the third seed in the region and will be off next week. The Bulldogs will open the 5A state playoffs on the road at 5A Region 4 second seed Beauregard on Friday, Nov. 8. AHS edged the Hornets, 28-27, earlier this season in a non-region road matchup.