Bulldog football enters season with high expectations

No excuses. Two simple words emblazoned on the back of the Bulldogs’ practice T-shirts says everything about the team’s mindset heading into the 2015 football season.

“We have high expectations and we’re not going to discount that,” said head coach Chad Ross. “There’s really no excuse not to succeed this season.”

Following a Northwest A conference title and a semifinals playoff appearance in 2014, the Bulldogs have their sights set on another run toward a state championship that has eluded the school for more than three decades.

About 50 kids signed on to play football this year, with 32 being seniors or juniors.

“I’m really excited about the numbers of our older kids,” Ross said. “A lot of these seniors have started since they were freshman. They have played together since fourth grade.”

Two-a-day practices started up Friday morning. By the end of the first session the offense was driving the length of the field with a full set of plays.

“The first day felt like we were in week three of practices,” Ross said. “They were running things we didn’t run until mid-year last season. That is phenomenal.”

The Dogs offense will look similar to last season with fourth-year starting quarterback Luke May leading he huddle. Ross complimented May’s growth as a student of the game.

“He’s always had an arm and he’s always been an athlete, but now he’s two clicks faster on the reads,” Ross said.

The Dogs hope to build more of ground game around backs Chris Park, Brian FauntLeRoy and Tyler Cote.

In the trenches, the line looks to be about 25 pounds heavier across the board.

“That’s 150 pounds of extra meat on there,” Ross said.

Ross is most excited about the work ethic and competitive drive being shown by the seniors.

“We were running sprints and they were pushing each other and challenging each other,” he said. “They love to compete.”

All of the coaching staff from last season has returned to the sideline.

“Everybody is back, which brings continuity and chemistry,” Ross said.

Whitefish opens the season Aug. 29 at Havre then hosts Class A juggernaut Dillon the following Friday. Ross is relishing the tough start to the season.

“Having Dillon in week two is the best thing for us,” he said. “If we win, it gives us confidence. If we lose, we get to see if we can overcome it. Dillon is a true test of where we are.”

“I’m excited to go play someone and see what happens.”

Varsity football schedule

Aug. 29 Havre Away

Sept. 4 Dillon Home

Sept. 11 Browning Away

Sept. 18 Stevensville (Homecoming)

Sept. 25 Corvallis Away

Oct. 2 Polson (Hall of Fame) Home

Oct. 9 Columbia Falls Away

Oct. 16 Frenchtown (Pink Week) Home

Oct. 23 Hamilton (Senior Night) Home

Oct. 31 First Round Playoffs TBA

Nov. 7 Quarter Final Playoffs TBA

Nov. 14 Semi-Final Playoffs TBA

Nov. 21 State Championship TBA