Preps Preview: Trion Bulldogs

BY THE NUMBERS19 - Returning starters for the Bulldogs, including both kicking specialists. Like most Class A teams, Trion will have a number of two-way starters.3 - Though the GHSA has split public and private schools for postseason play this year, Trion has only three public schools on its schedule. The Bulldogs, in essence, must show well against higher-classification schools to make the playoffs.8 - Consecutive seasons without a playoff win, the longest such streak in Trion's proud history.SCHEDULEAug. 31 at ArmucheeSep. 7 at LaFayetteSep. 21 at Mt. Paran Christian*Sep. 28 Darlington*Oct. 5 at Glascock CountyOct. 12 at Mt. Zion, Carroll*Oct. 19 SW Atlanta Christian*Oct. 26 Gordon Lee*Nov. 2 at Christian Heritage*Nov. 9 Region 6-A crossover game* Region 6A-A game

TRION BULLDOGS

Coach: Justin Brown (First year here and overall)

Stadium: Sam R. McCain Stadium

Address: 100 Bulldog Blvd., Trion, GA 30753

RECENT HISTORY

Since a 2002 trip to the Class A semifinals, the Bulldogs have been up and down and are now on their third head coach since that season. Here's a look at the regular-season win total the last five years:

2011 --(2)

2010 ------(6)

2009 ------(6)

2008 ---(3)

2007 --(2)

THREE STRENGTHS

1) The Bulldogs have lots of size, especially for a Class A team. Among the returning starters are Eman Wooten (6-3, 270), Daulton Hegwood (6-3, 285), Bret Peterson (6-3, 275) and Cody Brown (6-4, 240).

2) A return to the wing-T offense should show off the team's backfield depth, which includes returning quarterback Cory Bethune and running backs Kingston Lanier and Soccty Lively.

3) The new coaching staff has several areas to work on, but the kicking game should be in good shape with returning punter Ryan Roach (36-yard average) and kicker Gus Navarro (9-of-11 PATs).

THREE CONCERNS

1) Injuries have hit the Bulldogs hard the past two seasons, and there remains little depth.

2) Though the new coaching staff has instilled a new sense of confidence in the program, a slow start could lead to a long season.

3) The Bulldogs are built offensively for long, sustained drives. However, where do they turn when a big play is needed?

THREE QUESTIONS WITH EMAN WOOTEN

(Senior lineman)

Q: This is a program not accustomed to losing. How frustrating was last season?

A: It was real frustrating. I hate to walk off the field losing, and it makes for a long bus ride if it's on the road. We've got a lot of fans here and we want to make them proud.

Q: Where will Trion fans see the most improvement this year?

A: In our effort. We're working hard on not giving up when things go bad, which is something that happened last year.

Q: What is the one thing that has impressed you the most with the new coaching staff?

A: They seem to be very motivated, and they are intent on making sure we work hard and feel like a team. You can't win without your team.


ROSTER

2 Luke Gilleland - Senior

3 Tyler Gill - Freshman

4 Dawson Day - Freshman

5 Jared Witt - Sophomore

6 Ryan Roach - Senior

7 Rhett Tucker - Senior

8 Brandon Russell - Sophomore

9 Jonathan Shealy - Junior

10 Gabe Howell - Freshman

11 Bailey Hankins - Sophomore

12 Cory Bethune - Junior

14 Dillon Smith - Senior

16 Chandler Lathem - Junior

17 Brian Wilson - Junior

18 Dustin Thrasher - Junior

20 Reece Roach - Sophomore

21 Kingston Lanier - Senior

22 Bradley Womack - Sophomore

23 Payton Anderson - Sophomore

24 Scotty Lively - Senior

25 McCord Hood - Freshman

26 Levi Thomas - Sophomore

27 Agustin Navarro - Senior

29 Jared Wigley - Junior

30 Murphy Klouda - Freshman

32 Drake Clowdis - Freshman

33 Griffen Floyd - Freshman

40 Royce Hogg - Sophomore

42 David McCary - Freshman

44 Jordan Coker - Freshman

46 Maleek Martin - Freshman

50 Luke Hayes - Sophomore

51 Drew Tucker - Junior

52 Kelby Slayton - Junior

54 Daniel Sanford - Sophomore

55 Addison Meeler - Sophomore

56 Matthew Wilson - Freshman

57 Ben Chapman - Freshman

58 Eman Wooten - Senior

60 Cody Brown - Senior

62 Daulton Hegwood - Junior

64 Jarod Willingham - Freshman

70 Drew Casteel - Sophomore

75 Bret Peterson - Junior

77 Ben Huggins - Sophomore

80 Alex Deberry - Junior

81 Antonio Gutierrez - Sophomore

82 Christopher Barrenas - Junior

84 Braden Tucker - Freshman

87 Avery Edwards - Junior

88 Trystan Meacham - Sophomore

89 Chase Lively - Freshman

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