SENIORS GONE… PANIC?

Star Wide Receiver Roriyon “Ro” Richardson GONE? Quarterback Jahrik “JJ” Jones GONE? Wide Receiver Melvin “Corey” Nichols GONE? The question many are asking is, are the Summer Creek Bulldogs in panic mode? The answer to that is no, they are far from panic mode. Although many key players are graduating, Summer Creek has much upcoming talent. Who are these “upcoming” players? Will the Bulldogs record be worse or better than last year? All questions like this can be answered after reading this article.

THE SPOTLIGHTED BULLDOG

Going into his final high school ride, star running back Lloyd “Baby Face” Avant can be seen as the spotlight for the Bulldogs this season. The three-star “Baby Face” has offers from Colorado State, Marshall, Louisiana Tech and many other schools. Last season, he ran for more than 1,700 yards and 27 TDs on 9+ yards per carry as a junior. There may be a huge difference in the roster from his junior season and upcoming senior season. No Jahrik “JJ” Jones handing the ball off. No Christan Crocket and other senior lineman who blocked for him. All of the differences can be solved during the offseason not only for Avant but the whole team. As good of a season that was for him, running back coach Bruce Swinton believes this could be Avant’s breakout season. Avant is, however, not the only weapon the Summer Creek Bulldogs have in store. Avant will have many people around him going into his “final ride.”

BULLDOGS 2023-24 SEASON LAYOUT

As previously stated, this season for the Bulldogs’ roster will look completely different, but does that mean they will be terrible? No, not at all. The Bulldogs have many, if not already, soon-to-be superstars. Starting with the quarterback position, this position can be seen to have a young core. The main and may be starting QB is Tristan Sanchez. Tristan is a versatile quarterback that uses his shiftiness to maneuver through the defense. The two wild card quarterbacks are Blake Thomas and Holden Miller. The reason they can be called “wild cards” is because they can play quarterback & wide receiver. The youngest quarterback going into his sophomore season is Blake Dickerson. Him being only a freshman right now can cause him to take many notes from the older guys in front of him, it will help a lot in the long run. At the receiving core position the senior leading everyone is Jonathan Jones. Lined up at the slot he uses his extreme quick footwork to run circles around the whole defense. Around him are receivers Caleb Welch, Bryce Crawford and more. The youngster in this position that can be seen as an upcomer is Jamicah Jones. At tight end going into his senior season will be Kordell Rodgers. On the defensive side, many seniors are gone leaving players like Brandon Jones having to step up. The stars for this year will be Josiah “TANK” Pratt, Brandon Jones, Duryea “DJ” Green, Jaylen Carter, Kyran Duhon and more. The spotlight could soon be on the newly transferred Xaiver Atkins. The four-star committed to his hometown school, LSU, is going into his senior season with a brand new team. Last year’s defense with star seniors Matai Thomas, Paul Singleton and Darein “DJ” Hargrove could be seen as a powerhouse up to their loss to Katy. Will this year’s defense fill that role of being a powerhouse? Will the offense do the same? All of these questions will be answered at the end of the 23-24 season. Maybe they’ll do better; maybe it’ll take time. The Summer Creek Bulldogs are officially going through a fresh rebuild.

Come see for yourself as the team scrimmages at their spring game at 6:30 p.m. this Friday.