DECATUR -- With the memories of a long, hot summer fading away, it's time to put on the shoulder pads and helmets and get ready for Decatur football. The 2015 season looks bright for the Bulldogs as they open against the Berryville Bobcats in an away game on Sept. 4.
When practice began in early August, only 10 players took the field at Bulldog Stadium. As the 2015-16 school year began Aug. 17, the number of players remained the same. The Bulldogs needed eleven to continue the season. Jeff Gravette, school superintendent, considered canceling the entire season. The future of Bulldog football literally hinged on five additional players showing up for practice.
By Aug. 20, the number of players grew to 19, not the numbers Shane Holland, head football coach, wanted, but it was enough to continue the 2015 season.
"I wish I had higher numbers, but right now I will take what I can get," Holland said.
Leading the Bulldogs in the quarterback spot will be Ling Lee, a junior who played several games of the 2014 season when quarterback Victor Urquidi sustained a leg injury in the third game of the season against Hartford.
"He throws the ball very well and has taken a lot of snaps last season for us," Holland said.
Backing up Lee at quarterback will be Ming Vang. Vang, a senior, started in that position in 2013 when Urquidi had shoulder surgery and was benched for the entire season.
"He started for us two years ago at quarterback," said Holland. "We have two guys that have taken a lot of snaps in varsity football."
Holland plans on using a combination of running and passing plays this season. His front line is not big enough to exert the kind of pressure needed to sustain a running game. Yet it is strong enough to buy some time for Ling to find a receiver. Holland will rely on seniors Ray Haisman and Tyler Riddle and juniors Wyatt Bingham and Ryan Shaffer to cover the backfield.
Returning for her second season at center is Cameron Shaffer. Shaffer proved that she could take on the big guys and give the quarterback room to maneuver. The rest of the front line for the Bulldogs is made up of younger, less experienced players, with the exception of Brandon Coker who played several games for Decatur last season.
"The front line is a work in progress," Holland said.
The Bulldogs face some of their most formidable opponents right out of the starting blocks, beginning with Berryville and Gentry.
"Our first four games are tough. We play two 4A opponents the first two weeks," Holland said. "Then, weeks three and four, we play two of the better teams in our conference."
The third game of the season pits the Bulldogs against the Mountainburg Dragons on Sept. 18 at Bulldog Stadium. This will be Homecoming week for Decatur and the first home game of the season.
"Mountainburg in game three is always a strong opponent," said Holland. "They have been right there at the top of our conference over the last several years."
In week four, Decatur will take on the Hackett Hornets at home. This team will be a little different this season. When Hartford decided to permanently cancel its football program, beginning this year, it sent its players to Hackett, giving the Hornets an advantage in numbers over smaller programs like Decatur's.
"Not to take anything away from our opponents in the second half of the season," Holland said. "This will be an interesting season."
The Bulldogs will play only three senior high games at Bulldog Stadium this year and it is important that the community attends each of those games and shows support for the Bulldog football program. Fan interest in Decatur football may encourage more students to go out for the sport, ensuring the continuation of the program in the future.
The Decatur Bulldogs' second game will be on the road as well when they take on the Pioneers in Gentry Sept. 11. For a complete schedule of upcoming sporting events, go to decatursd.com.
Sports on 08/26/2015