Bulldogs want to make some noise when season starts

DUGGER -- The Bulldogs will try to turn into Liontamers this weekend.

Union hosts Rock Creek Academy (0-1) at noon Saturday in its season football opener. Both schools are similar in that they field small teams. Union has 15 boys eligible for the game while the Lions will suit up 18 or 19.

“We’re excited,” Union coach Jeff Griffith said. “I think we’re definitely going to have a very competitive game for each school.”

Oldenburg Academy walloped RCA 42-6 last week. Having a game under their belts does give the Lions a bit of an advantage, Griffith admitted, but he thinks the ‘Dogs will come out ready to play.

The two teams did not meet last year, but Griffith said he has seen some films of the Lions. He said they use a wing T offense. Union assistant coach Steve Hall said they often run the triple option.

Griffith added the Lions will use a 44 defense.

Hall said the teams are pretty evenly matched, especially on speed.

“They’re a little bit bigger than us,” Griffith said, “but not very much bigger.

Both coaches agreed Union will need good execution against the Lions. The Dawgs must “make few mistakes,” Griffith said. “We need to get a big win here.”

“If we don’t play our game,” Hall chimed in, “we won’t compete with them.”

Most of the Bulldogs on the field Saturday will be young -- freshmen or sophomores. The coaches said they are excited about Saturday’s contest and so are the Dawgs.

Griffith said 11 or 12 of the players have been attending practices since last January. Hall said that dedication is important because they want Union “to quit being a laughing stock.” He said the coaches and community haven’t given up on Bulldog football, but the players must buy in.

Come a victory, Griffith predicted, at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, “you’ll hear the noise in Linton.”