Bulldoggs install new systems this spring

“Offensively, we went into spring with a base set of formations we wanted to get in and we did that in five days,” Wagner said. “After that, we just got in as many reps as we could. Defensively, it was the same way. We wanted to get the base fronts in where they become second nature to the players and build from there.”

Wagner and the other offensive coaches handled spring practice as the team is currently without an offensive coordinator. Wagner said Monday it may still be a few more weeks before a new hire is finalized.

Allen, who has been on the staff the past two seasons, takes over the defensive reigns from Wagner, who has served as coordinator for that side of the football the past two seasons.

“I thought we had a good spring,” Allen said. The players picked up the scheme — or what part of it we put in — very well. It is a process and the kids know that. They got after the ball pretty good. It is just small steps that you have to take when you install a new scheme.”

Allen said the coaches will put the rest of the defense in during the summer and start fine tuning it.

“From what I saw from the spring, I think we will be a pretty salty bunch once everything is in,” Allen said. “ I was really proud of the kids for working hard and listening to the coaches. The coaches have done a tremendous job getting the kids ready so far. It is a learning process for the coaches as well, but they have done a great job with the defense. It is going to be a very important summer for us. We will get everyone going in the same direction.”

The new defensive coordinator has several years of coaching experience which helped lead Wagner to turn the defense over to him.

“Coach Wagner has given me a great opportunity to run the defense and lets me run the defense that I have run for the better part of 11 years,” Allen said. “ I am very appreciative of the confidence he shows in me. When the season gets going, as you know, there are variations of things we can do depending on our opponent. We are going to get after who ever we play.”

The summer program is scheduled to begin May 29. Wagner said he wanted players to get finished with final exams and to have a few days off before work begins again for fall.

Following a scrimmage Aug. 17 at South Forsyth, the Bulldoggs will open the new season Aug. 31 at Jackson County. The Panthers, under the director of new head coach Benji Harrison, are installing a passing system this offseason, based on the offense used when Harrison was offensive coordinator in recent years at Flowery Branch High School.