Dove Creek’s 2014 football record was an anomaly.
After two consecutive 7-3 seasons, the Bulldogs fell to 4-5 last season. But head coach Shane Baughman said they can return to form this year.
“We were right in the thick of it in all the games last year,” Baughman said. “It was just a play here or a play there. Maybe our leadership will help us pull through some of that stuff this year.”
With 10 seniors on the roster, the Bulldogs will have plenty of leaders this season.
Specifically, they have three returning all-conference seniors to look up to in quarterback and linebacker Jordan Ernst, offensive and defensive lineman Spencer Gatlin, and running back and linebacker Case Baughman.
They also have new players in sophomore Tristen Martinez and freshman Ryan Martinez, who recently moved to Dove Creek from Texas.
“Tristen’s got probably the best hands on the team,” said Baughman.
Lining up under center for the third year in a row, Ernst will be the one throwing to Martinez. And he can breathe easy knowing he’ll be protected when he drops back.
“We’re big,” Baughman chuckled. “This is the biggest we’ve ever been.”
The big bodies he referred to are Spencer Gatlin, Beau Hemphill, Ricky Adams and Cody Kennedy, who will play on the offensive line. The Bulldogs’ wealth of size allows them to move junior Scott Gatlin from the offensive line to full back, and Case Baughman from full back to tailback.
Baughman is still working through personnel to determine the best fit at each position, and the Bulldogs get their first taste of action on Friday, Aug. 28 in a scrimmage against Dolores.