Sustaining a legacy

Under the hot sun of an August morning, players and coaches took to the dew-covered practice field Friday at Whitefish High School, commencing a new season of Bulldog football.

Following last year’s 11-1 campaign that ended in a State A title win over Dillon, Whitefish head coach Chad Ross said expectations haven’t changed. But rather than looking back at last year’s success, the priority now is to look ahead.

“People keep talking about last year,” Ross sad. “We’re done with last year. We’re focused on what we’re going to do this year. That’s what I really like about the coaching staff right now. We’re focused on what we have, not what we were.”

“The kids have their own expectations. As coaches, we’re just getting them to do the little things right again and again and have the same intensity. They were part of it last year, so it’s not like their expectations have changed. Now that they’re in starting roles, they just need to step up the effort and intensity.”

Ross said he looks forward to seeing who will step up and fill the holes left by last year’s crop of talented seniors. The most obvious roster spot left open, Forrest Kobelt and Derek Kastella are vying to take over as signal caller with the departure of four-year starter Luke May.

“It’s exciting to see all these guys come into their own,” he said. “A lot of them were a big part of last year. Without these guys, we don’t win a title last year. So now they’re taking the leading roles and new guys are taking the secondary roles, so it’s exciting to see them step into those shoes.”

The team wrapped up non-contact practice on Monday and donned full pads Tuesday. With only a few practices in helmets and shorts under their belt, Ross said it’s hard to gauge what this team can do, but he’s excited to see what they’ll look like in the season-opener.

Last year’s state win ended a 36-year title drought for the Bulldogs, and Ross said the mantra was all about creating a winning legacy. For the seniors who got to experience what it took to make the title run, the focus now is on sustaining that legacy.

“Before we were talking about building it, now they want to continue it, so it’s neat to be a part of that,” Ross said.

Of the 13 seniors on the team, Ross said he expects a dozen to be starting.

Tyler Cote and Travis Catina were voted preseason captains by the team. Ross said the rest of the captains will be determined over the next couple weeks.

The Bulldogs host Havre on Saturday, Aug. 27 to open the season.