KTJ
08-16-2004, 02:44 PM
Royse City second-year coach Rodney Webb subscribes to the theory that there's no substitute for experience when it comes to learning how to win football games.
Perhaps that's why Webb and his team have been so eagerly anticipating this season. With 21 returning lettermen, including eight starters on each side of the ball, the Bulldogs are poised to make a move in Class 3A.
"You always try to be optimistic at this time of year, but I think the excitement around here is real," Webb said. "These guys, especially the seniors, expect to win. You can see it in their eyes and in the way they carry themselves."
Senior defensive lineman Jarrell Howard anchors an imposing front seven which returns intact from a year ago and also includes sure-tackling senior Chris Sexton and versatile playmaker Donnie Pierce.
Webb likes to put his best athletes at quarterback. This year, senior James Mapps takes over after starting two seasons at running back.
FAST FACTS
Nickname: Bulldogs
District: 9-3A
Coach: Rodney Webb
Last season: 5-5, 4-3 (Tied for fourth in District 10-3A)
THE SKINNY
STRENGTH
Offensive line: Bulldogs are solid up front with five returning starters, including three three-year starters.
WEAKNESSES
Secondary, kicking game: Senior Ryan Bradley is the only returning starter in an inexperienced secondary. Team will also be breaking in a new kicker and punter.
BIGGEST GAME
vs. Van Alstyne, Oct. 8: First step in quest for District 9-3A title.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Bulldogs' defense might be one of the area's fastest, with all 11 projected starters capable of running sub-5.0-second 40's.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB James Mapps 5-11, 170, Sr.: Team's best athlete moves under center after starting at tailback last year.
RB Cameron Holliness 6-0, 205: Big, powerful runner with 4.5 speed takes over as featured tailback.
LB Donnie Pierce 6-4, 210, Sr.: Division I-A prospect has the size and quickness to disrupt offenses.
DL Jarrell Howard 6-2, 270, Jr: Imposing tackle anchors physical front seven
TE/LB Ramiro Lopez 5-9, 210, Sr.: Former all-district guard will try hand at tight end this season.
RETURNING LEADERS
RUSHING
Player Att. Yds. TDs
James Mapps 134 843 6
PASSING
Player C-A-I Yds. TDs
Ryan Bradley 11-24-0 120 1
RECEIVING
Player No. Yds. TDs
Jacob Garcia 19 317 2
TACKLES
Player No.
Chris Sexton 112
INTERCEPTIONS
Player No.
Ryan Bradley 2
Perhaps that's why Webb and his team have been so eagerly anticipating this season. With 21 returning lettermen, including eight starters on each side of the ball, the Bulldogs are poised to make a move in Class 3A.
"You always try to be optimistic at this time of year, but I think the excitement around here is real," Webb said. "These guys, especially the seniors, expect to win. You can see it in their eyes and in the way they carry themselves."
Senior defensive lineman Jarrell Howard anchors an imposing front seven which returns intact from a year ago and also includes sure-tackling senior Chris Sexton and versatile playmaker Donnie Pierce.
Webb likes to put his best athletes at quarterback. This year, senior James Mapps takes over after starting two seasons at running back.
FAST FACTS
Nickname: Bulldogs
District: 9-3A
Coach: Rodney Webb
Last season: 5-5, 4-3 (Tied for fourth in District 10-3A)
THE SKINNY
STRENGTH
Offensive line: Bulldogs are solid up front with five returning starters, including three three-year starters.
WEAKNESSES
Secondary, kicking game: Senior Ryan Bradley is the only returning starter in an inexperienced secondary. Team will also be breaking in a new kicker and punter.
BIGGEST GAME
vs. Van Alstyne, Oct. 8: First step in quest for District 9-3A title.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Bulldogs' defense might be one of the area's fastest, with all 11 projected starters capable of running sub-5.0-second 40's.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB James Mapps 5-11, 170, Sr.: Team's best athlete moves under center after starting at tailback last year.
RB Cameron Holliness 6-0, 205: Big, powerful runner with 4.5 speed takes over as featured tailback.
LB Donnie Pierce 6-4, 210, Sr.: Division I-A prospect has the size and quickness to disrupt offenses.
DL Jarrell Howard 6-2, 270, Jr: Imposing tackle anchors physical front seven
TE/LB Ramiro Lopez 5-9, 210, Sr.: Former all-district guard will try hand at tight end this season.
RETURNING LEADERS
RUSHING
Player Att. Yds. TDs
James Mapps 134 843 6
PASSING
Player C-A-I Yds. TDs
Ryan Bradley 11-24-0 120 1
RECEIVING
Player No. Yds. TDs
Jacob Garcia 19 317 2
TACKLES
Player No.
Chris Sexton 112
INTERCEPTIONS
Player No.
Ryan Bradley 2