The Skinny
The Trion Bulldogs tend to find themselves in the post-season more often than not, especially over the last 29 years, in which the team has only missed post-season play 6 seasons. But like the stock market or most investments, past results are not always indicative of future performance.
“Finding depth and game experience,” is how Coach Brown described one of the teams biggest challenges.
To Coach Brown’s point, the Bulldog’s graduated the Region 6 defensive player of the year as well as 8 first team all region players.
Hagan Willingham will be a weapon for the Bulldogs. The shifty back has shown the ability to make defenders miss in traffic and also has breakaway speed. Willingham, who also plays defensive back for Trion was a 2ndteam All-Region selection. Brett Brown, a 2017 Region 6 Honorable Mention selection, will look to provide additional production for the Bulldogs on offense at receiver.
Defensively, Second Team All-Region line-backer, Braden Johnson will hope to duplicate his success from last season. Johnson is a sure tackler and should be a leader on defense. Clay Baker will join Johnson on defense. Baker himself, was a 2ndteam All-Region selection last season as a sophomore.
Trion also sports two two-way linemen in Jake Hayes and Tucker McCoy. Both Hayes and McCoy were All-Region Honorable Mention selections in 2017.
“(A) winning record and making the playoffs,” is one of the way Coach Brown will define success this season.
That’s certainly something Bulldog fans have become accustomed to. While all games are important, you can bet the Bulldogs will be looking forward to their 84thmatchup with rival, Gordon-Lee on September 21st. We should see well before then if the Bulldogs are able to find depth and gain that, oh so important game experience.
