DECATUR -- The crash of helmets and the thuds of 250-pound linemen hitting the ground marked the beginning of the 2014 Decatur High School Bulldogs football season.
The first day of practice began at 8:30 a.m. on the field behind Bulldog Stadium Aug. 4. Head football coach Shane Holland and assistant coaches John Unger and Jason Porter rallied their players together and began to devise a game plan for the first game against Gentry at Pioneer Stadium Aug. 28.
Missing from the 2014 Bulldog roster is Mario Urquidi, who played wide receiver during the first part of the 2013 season. An injury to his right lower leg during the homecoming game with Mountainburg put him on the sideline and threatened to bench him during basketball. Because this is his senior year and he hopes to get on a Division I college team after graduation, Mario Urquidi decided to skip football and concentrate on playing basketball and possibly track and field.
The return of quarterback sensation Victor Urquidi has been a rallying point for the Bulldogs this season. Victor Urquidi was sidelined with a shoulder injury and surgery last season. He had to serve as team leader from the bench, which created a gap in leadership on the field. There were no Decatur players that could or would step into Victor Urquidi's shoes.
Last season, sophomore Meng Vang stepped into the starting quarterback role for the Bulldogs, replacing the injured Victor Urquidi. While Vang exhibited an exceptional running game in 2013, he had a serious lack of a passing game, something that crippled the Bulldogs.
The mark of a good team is the ability to alternate between running and passing plays. The strategy wins games. Still Vang's speed and nimble hands put points on the scoreboard and won a few games in 2013.
"Meng is a good team player," Holland stated. "He will play where we ask him to play and he will do a good job. Whatever Meng does that will give us the best offensive football team will be where he will end up playing."
Last year, one of Holland's running backs showed a lot of potential with his lightning-quick speed and agility. It was not uncommon to see Allen Castaneda break several tackles and run 40 yards into the end zone.
"Last year he had a much better season," Holland said. "He (Castaneda) was able to see things and see where he needed to be and not try to bounce everything outside like he had in the past. So he became a much better running back. We hope to get him more involved in the passing game because he has great hands. I see us having a great passing game this season."
One sophomore that is making a name for himself is Leng Lee. He showed his talent last year as a freshman quarterback and running back for the junior high team. Lee's speed and quick thinking abilities combined to put points on the board.
"We have been to several 7 on 7 games this summer and, at slot receiver, when Victor gets into trouble, Leng seems to be the guy he looks to," Holland said. "I expect from Leng."
With the Bulldog offensive unit set for the 2014 season, Holland is turning to coach Jason Porter to rebuild the defense. With the first practice under his belt, Porter will shift a few players around to build the best defensive unit possible for the Bulldogs. It is a work in progress. By the first game at the end of August, everything will be in place to begin an outstanding season.
"We expect to be in the playoffs," Holland said. "I think the kids believe this. It isn't a given. You have to go out and earn that right and compete. We have that commitment to be there."
For a complete schedule of the 2014 Bulldog football season, go to www.decatursd.com/athletics or on Facebook at Decatur Bulldogs Athletics.
Sports on 08/06/2014