The North Georgia Bulldogs were looking to complete a perfect regular season on Saturday when they traveled to Osborne High School to take on the Georgia Canes.

The Canes weren’t going to let the Bulldogs celebrate on their field, however, as North Georgia lost by a score of 30-7 for their first blemish of the season.

The Bulldogs (7-1) will now have to regroup quickly as they will host the conference championship game on Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Alabama Trojans.

Bulldogs coach Mark Bramblett said his team simply did not match the level the Canes at on Saturday.

“They played solidly, and we didn’t,” said Bramblett. “I take my hat off to them. They forced five fumbles and only gave away the ball twice. We played flat most of the night and it hurt us.”

North Georgia’s offense, which had been rolling in the past several weeks, was held down almost the entire game. The Bulldogs didn’t score an offensive touchdown in the game.

Quarterback Brisco Bingham was held to just 89 yards passing on 7-of-22 throws. The usually steady running back duo of Patrick Dupree and Clarence Goines combined for just 46 yards on the ground.

“We didn’t play well offensively and it put our defense in a bad position several times,” said Bramblett.

The Bulldogs only score of the night came on a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Michael K. Jones. Jones also accounted for five tackles. Rodney Billings and Arsenio Moulden each had six tackles to lead the team. Mike Emerson, who had 56 yards receiving on the offensive side of the ball, had an interception from his defensive back spot.

The Bulldogs will host the conference championship game at the Calhoun Recreation Department football field on Saturday and with a win would move into the league championship game the next weekend in Atlanta.