2013 - Trion Bulldogs

photo The Trojans have solid numbers and three quarterbacks who could contend for the starting job.

Trion Bulldogs

Coach: Justin Brown (9-3 here in one year and overall)

Last year: 9-3, 3-2 in Region 6A-A; lost 27-10 to ECI in the second round of the playoffs

'13 dreams: The Bulldogs were one of the area's biggest surprises a year ago as former player Brown instilled a more physical attitude in the players. The team expects to return to the postseason, but any lengthy run will depend on how well some major graduation losses are filled. Most of last year's offensive production is gone, as are two key linemen - Cody Brown and Eman Wooten.

13-for-13 contenders: Quarterback Cory Bethune will shoulder more responsibility this season and will be counted on to guide a youthful backfield in early games. Two-way starter Malik Martin, who led the team in tackles as a freshman linebacker last year, also will play some at running back. Bret Peterson (6-3, 275) and Daulton Hegwood (6-2, 295) will anchor both lines.

Number of interest: 2000 - The estimated miles the Bulldogs traveled last season, including more than 600 in two road playoff games.

13 years ago: The 2000 season under Bobby Johnson had seven wins, including three over Walker County programs LaFayette, Gordon Lee and Ridgeland. Trion fell in the second round of the playoffs to eventual champion Commerce.

Program superstition: Before going onto the field at home games, each Bulldog will touch the bulldog logo above the locker-room door. On the road, the Bulldogs don't feel right unless assistant coach Jeff Daffron is the last one out the door.

1-through-3: Senior quarterback Cory Bethune

Q. What did last year's surprising success do for the confidence of this year's team?

A. Our confidence is pretty high and there's no reason we can't get back to the playoffs again. This time we want a home game, but we know we have to earn it.

Q. This is one of the largest regions in the state and is loaded with private school programs. What would it take for Trion to win it this year?

A. We have to go 110 percent on every play and at every practice. We surprised a few teams last year, and we know they'll be ready this year for us."

Q. What makes Trion such a great place to play football?

A. The tradition here is amazing and has a lot to do with it. The community is great to us, and it makes it really special to play any sport, but especially football."

2013 Schedule

Aug. 30 Armuchee

Sep. 6 LaFayette

Sep. 20 Mt. Paran Christian

Sep. 27 at Darlington*

Oct. 4 at Glascock County

Oct. 11 Mt. Zion, Carroll*

Oct. 18 at Southwest Atlanta Christian*

Oct. 25 at Gordon Lee*

Nov. 1 Christian Heritage*

Nov. 8 Region play-in

*Region 6-A game

2012 Stats

Passing C-A-I Pct. Yards TDs

Cory Bethune 44-90-2 49% 539 4

Rushing Att. Yards TDs

Kingston Lanier 106 801 7

Scotty Lively 73 604 6

Cory Bethune 105 512 12

Receiving No. Yards TDs

Scotty Lively 19 212 3

Isaac Thomas 6 114 1

Roster

2 Malik Martin Sophomore

3 Tyler Gill Sophomore

4 Jackson Bowers Freshman

5 Jared Witt Junior

6 Reece Roach Junior

7 Brandon Russell Junior

8 Jon Harrison Freshman

9 Jonathan Shealy Senior

10 Gabe Howell Sophomore

11 Bailey Hankins Junior

12 Cory Bethune Senior

13 Jared Milam Junior

14 Cody Conner Sophomore

15 Isaac Thomas Senior

16 Chandler Latham Senior

17 Brian Wilson Senior

18 Dustin Thrasher Senior

19 Austin Weaver Sophomore

20 Jarrett Pierce Freshman

21 McCord Hood Sophomore

22 Bradley Womack Junior

23 Payton Anderson Junior

24 Drake Crider Sophomore

25 Jake Wells Freshman

26 Levi Thomas Junior

27 Cody Richardson Senior

28 David McCrary Sophomore

29 Jared Wigley Senior

30 Murphy Klouda Sophomore

32 Drake Clowdis Sophomore

33 Griffin Floyd Sophomore

34 J.J. Jennings Freshman

35 Devonya Farmer Sophomore

36 Jordan Laney Sophomore

40 Royce Hogg Junior

42 Michael Hurley Freshman

44 Jordan Coker Sophomore

45 Drew Williams Sophomore

46 Timmy Wood Freshman

49 Henrri Reynoso Freshman

50 Luke Hayes Junior

51 Drew Tucker Senior

52 Ben Chapman Sophomore

53 Kelby Slayton Senior

54 Daniel Sanford Junior

55 Addison Meeler Junior

56 Matthew Wilson Sophomore

58 Wade Harris Freshman

60 Jacob Patty Freshman

61 Scott Frazier Sophomore

62 Daulton Hegwood Senior

63 Caleb Collins Freshman

64 Jarod Willingham Sophomore

65 Zach Mildren Sophomore

67 Matt McWhorter Freshman

68 Hayden Tomlin Freshman

70 Drew Casteel Junior

72 Jeremy Phillips Junior

73 Kase Roach Freshman

74 Jake Daffron Sophomore

75 Bret Peterson Senior

76 Blandin Saye Sophomore

77 Chase Browning Senior

78 Cody Cameron Senior

79 Payton Blaylock Senior

80 Alex Deberry Senior

81 Antonio Gutierrez Junior

82 Christopher Barrenas Senior

83 Tyler Bishop Junior

84 Braden Tucker Sophomore

85 Chace Vinyard Freshman

87 Avery Edwards Senior

88 Trystan Meacham Junior

89 Chase Lively Sophomore

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