The Summer Creek Bulldogs currently sit at number nine for top 50 teams in 6A division, finished their non-district games 3-0. In 2022, they went 1-2, losing to both Klein Cain and Klein Collins. Their 1 win would be from Clear Falls. This year Summer Creek beat Klein Collins 34-0, defeated Klein Cain 28-21, and beat Clear Falls 32-14 for the second year in a row. You may wonder, what is Summer Creek doing differently this year ? Is it the new coaches? What about the transfers? Questions like these can be answered throughout this article.
The biggest answer behind the Bulldogs 3-0 start is their mentality. They came into this season with higher emotions than most teams in this 6A division.
“Those 3 games we won doesn’t count, everyone is going into district games with a fresh 0-0 start. The games that count are the next 7 district games we have,” Head coach Kenny Harrison said.
What Harrison doesn’t want is for Summer Creek to get relaxed over non-district games. His main focus are the number-four-ranked Atascocita Eagles and number-two-ranked North Shore Mustangs.
Another big part of Summer Creeks 3-0 start is their dominant defense. From safeties to linebackers to the defensive line, it’s almost like they are stacked all around the defensive side. Leading the defense are Xaiver Atkins, Jaylen Carter, Josiah Pratt, Kaleb Walker, Brandon Jones, Denim Samples, Willam Hill, Kyran Duhon, Qwest Simmons, Collin Irving and more players. The defense gave all three of their last opponents a battle.
On the offense side by no surprise running back Lloyd Avant has run all over his last few opponents. The quarterback who may be seen on punt returns is Blake Thomas. Despite not playing his main position which is wide receiver, he has filled in for injured quarterback Tristan Sanchez perfectly. He has run all over defenses while still throwing to his main targets. Those players are Kordell Rodgers, John Jones, Caleb Welch and Holden Miller. While Blake Thomas is a junior and junior Tristan Sanchez will be coming off an injury next year, who knows if Thomas will go back to wide receiver. As of right now, Blake Thomas and Lloyd Avant will be leading the offense going into district.
As previously mentioned, the Bulldogs next seven games will be district games, the most important games of all.
“You can go 3-0 and end up 3-7 quick,” states quarterback coach John Focke.
The Bulldogs will not be taking these district games lightly. Their first opponent coming off their bye week are the West Brook Bruins. They demolished the Bruins 69-0 last year. After playing West Brook and the Humble Wildcats, they will finally get their hands on the North Shore Mustangs Nov. 10. Until then, Summer Creek will continue to dominate and while doing that, build up their focus and mentality.
