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