You often hear how college and professional football players work throughout the year to be successful.
It’s no different for high school players really. The 2012 season ended for the Winder-Barrow High School Bulldoggs last Friday, but preparations have already begun for next fall.
WBHS took some steps forward this season. The Bulldoggs ended a 31-game losing streak to get a huge monkey off their back. WBHS was competitive in other games as well as the hard work put in during the past three years are gradually beginning to pay off.
The program will lose some talented players to graduation who must be replaced. Chad Platt’s speed and elusive running ability will certainly be missed. The toughness of fullback Al Schotter will also have to be replaced. Schotter was a force on both sides of the football in 2012.
Defensive leader Tyree Tanner also graduates along with fellow defensive standout Levi Worley. Offensive lineman Austin Stewart graduates along with defensive lineman Efa Osuegbu.
The cupboard won’t exactly be bare, however. Junior quarterback Christian Hodge, who has been in the starting lineup since his freshman season, is primed for a big senior campaign. Kicker Colin Shannon is the best at what he does in the region and perhaps the Northeast Georgia area.
In addition to the other returning varsity players, the talented group of freshman players from 2012 will move up to the varsity level for the upcoming season.
Of course, returning players doesn’t automatically equal success. However, this group of WBHS players has shown they want to be successful. You could see it in games like the win against Cedar Shoals as well as other contests, which in the end didn’t go in favor of the Bulldoggs.
In looking ahead, game one of 2013 may tell a great deal of how the season will go.
The Bulldoggs will open next season just as they did in 2012 against Jackson County. The Panthers qualified for the playoffs for the first time in two decades this season and they jump started their season with a close season opening win against WBHS.
Jackson County has now established itself as a program to watch, which is what the Winder-Barrow program is wanting to do. Perhaps a win for the Bulldoggs in the matchup with the Panthers next year will provide that needed jumping off point.
The next game is still several months away for WBHS, but the preparations are set to begin now. It’s time to get stronger in the weight room, faster through agility drills and better by simply doing the necessary things.
Building a successful program doesn’t happen overnight. It’s tough to be patient, but when you are then good things often happen.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
