Prep Blitz 2014: Trion Bulldogs

There's good news, bad news and uncertainty.

Justin Brown has a little bit of each heading into his third season as head coach at Trion.

The good news is that eight starters are returning on defense. But the Bulldogs are replacing four offensive linemen and have promoted quarterback Jackson Bowers, who played on the junior varsity last year.

"It's a little more settling because he's got experience behind him," Brown said. "The anxious part is that he doesn't have experience in front of him.

"We hope our defense keeps us in games."

Bowers, a sophomore, is not new to the position, just playing on Friday nights under the lights.

"I just have to make smart decisions because I don't want to hurt the team," Bowers said, noting that running backs Malik Martin and Gabe Howell will have his back. "I'm going to turn around and stick it in their belly."

Addison Meeler, the lone senior returning to the offensive line, spent time doing some coaching during preseason practices, and before that he took on some leadership during offseason workouts. He's seen the effort of his teammates pay off.

"I'm stoked and I know our team is ready," said Meeler, noting that Trion lost its final three games last season. "This year I feel that we play such bigger hearts and we all play as team.

"Our goal as a team for this season is to win state, but every game I want to play hard and play physical."

The season starts - almost as always - with rival Gordon Lee.

"Each series for us will be a mini game, and the better we do early, the better we'll be," Brown said. "It's a young team by most standards, but they've played some ball."

- David Uchiyama

TRION BULLDOGS

Head coach: Justin Brown (14-8 here and overall)

Last year: 5-5; lost to Irwin County in Class A playoffs first round

Returning starters (O/D/K): 3/8/1

Control panel: RB/LB Malik Martin (5-11, 190, Jr.) led the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball last season. He had 110 rushes for 562 yards and 92 tackles, an interception and four fumble recoveries. Martin acquired much of his rushing yardage behind OT Addison Meeler (6-3, 280, Sr.), who will be a key member of the line once again and should play at the FCS level next season. RB/LB Gabe howell (6-1, 170, Jr.) averaged more than 5 yards per carry and made two interceptions last season.

New producers: FS/RB Jarrett Pierce (5-11, 175, So.) was a JV player last year and gained weight, and he's one the guys with the most football smarts. DE/RB Austin Weaver (5-11, 185, Jr.) had a great offseason and laid the most shots in the early preseason practices. OL Luke Hayes (6-3, 260, Sr.) played sparingly behind a senior-laden line last year but has the quickness and footwork to handle several positions.

2014 SCHEDULE

(all games at 7:30 Eastern)

Aug. 22 - Gordon Lee

Aug. 29 - at Armuchee

Sept. 12 - at LaFayette

Sept. 19 - Pinecrest Academy*

Sept. 26 - at King's Ridge*

Oct. 3 - at Christian Heritage*

Oct. 17 - Mt. Zion, Carroll*

Oct. 24 - at Mt. Paran*

Oct. 31 - Walker*

Nov. 7 - Region 6-A play-in

  • Region 6A-A game

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