BY THE NUMBERS19 - Returning starters for the Bulldogs, including both kicking specialists. Like most Class A teams, Trion will have a number of two-way starters.3 - Though the GHSA has split public and private schools for postseason play this year, Trion has only three public schools on its schedule. The Bulldogs, in essence, must show well against higher-classification schools to make the playoffs.8 - Consecutive seasons without a playoff win, the longest such streak in Trion's proud history.SCHEDULEAug. 31 at ArmucheeSep. 7 at LaFayetteSep. 21 at Mt. Paran Christian*Sep. 28 Darlington*Oct. 5 at Glascock CountyOct. 12 at Mt. Zion, Carroll*Oct. 19 SW Atlanta Christian*Oct. 26 Gordon Lee*Nov. 2 at Christian Heritage*Nov. 9 Region 6-A crossover game* Region 6A-A game
TRION BULLDOGS
Coach: Justin Brown (First year here and overall)
Stadium: Sam R. McCain Stadium
Address: 100 Bulldog Blvd., Trion, GA 30753
RECENT HISTORY
Since a 2002 trip to the Class A semifinals, the Bulldogs have been up and down and are now on their third head coach since that season. Here's a look at the regular-season win total the last five years:
2011 --(2)
2010 ------(6)
2009 ------(6)
2008 ---(3)
2007 --(2)
THREE STRENGTHS
1) The Bulldogs have lots of size, especially for a Class A team. Among the returning starters are Eman Wooten (6-3, 270), Daulton Hegwood (6-3, 285), Bret Peterson (6-3, 275) and Cody Brown (6-4, 240).
2) A return to the wing-T offense should show off the team's backfield depth, which includes returning quarterback Cory Bethune and running backs Kingston Lanier and Soccty Lively.
3) The new coaching staff has several areas to work on, but the kicking game should be in good shape with returning punter Ryan Roach (36-yard average) and kicker Gus Navarro (9-of-11 PATs).
THREE CONCERNS
1) Injuries have hit the Bulldogs hard the past two seasons, and there remains little depth.
2) Though the new coaching staff has instilled a new sense of confidence in the program, a slow start could lead to a long season.
3) The Bulldogs are built offensively for long, sustained drives. However, where do they turn when a big play is needed?
THREE QUESTIONS WITH EMAN WOOTEN
(Senior lineman)
Q: This is a program not accustomed to losing. How frustrating was last season?
A: It was real frustrating. I hate to walk off the field losing, and it makes for a long bus ride if it's on the road. We've got a lot of fans here and we want to make them proud.
Q: Where will Trion fans see the most improvement this year?
A: In our effort. We're working hard on not giving up when things go bad, which is something that happened last year.
Q: What is the one thing that has impressed you the most with the new coaching staff?
A: They seem to be very motivated, and they are intent on making sure we work hard and feel like a team. You can't win without your team.
ROSTER
2 Luke Gilleland - Senior
3 Tyler Gill - Freshman
4 Dawson Day - Freshman
5 Jared Witt - Sophomore
6 Ryan Roach - Senior
7 Rhett Tucker - Senior
8 Brandon Russell - Sophomore
9 Jonathan Shealy - Junior
10 Gabe Howell - Freshman
11 Bailey Hankins - Sophomore
12 Cory Bethune - Junior
14 Dillon Smith - Senior
16 Chandler Lathem - Junior
17 Brian Wilson - Junior
18 Dustin Thrasher - Junior
20 Reece Roach - Sophomore
21 Kingston Lanier - Senior
22 Bradley Womack - Sophomore
23 Payton Anderson - Sophomore
24 Scotty Lively - Senior
25 McCord Hood - Freshman
26 Levi Thomas - Sophomore
27 Agustin Navarro - Senior
29 Jared Wigley - Junior
30 Murphy Klouda - Freshman
32 Drake Clowdis - Freshman
33 Griffen Floyd - Freshman
40 Royce Hogg - Sophomore
42 David McCary - Freshman
44 Jordan Coker - Freshman
46 Maleek Martin - Freshman
50 Luke Hayes - Sophomore
51 Drew Tucker - Junior
52 Kelby Slayton - Junior
54 Daniel Sanford - Sophomore
55 Addison Meeler - Sophomore
56 Matthew Wilson - Freshman
57 Ben Chapman - Freshman
58 Eman Wooten - Senior
60 Cody Brown - Senior
62 Daulton Hegwood - Junior
64 Jarod Willingham - Freshman
70 Drew Casteel - Sophomore
75 Bret Peterson - Junior
77 Ben Huggins - Sophomore
80 Alex Deberry - Junior
81 Antonio Gutierrez - Sophomore
82 Christopher Barrenas - Junior
84 Braden Tucker - Freshman
87 Avery Edwards - Junior
88 Trystan Meacham - Sophomore
89 Chase Lively - Freshman