Sometimes in a small town, it can be the best of times and the worst of times, not to completely steal from Charles Dickens, of course. The Wortham Bulldogs enter the 2022 season with high hopes after hopes were dashed with a big injury and then there was a silver lining to the clouds with a deeper than usual playoff run.
Wortham had gotten through the first two district games and earned a playoff spot, but running back Tanner Bean (1078 rushing yards and 17 TDs) was injured and lost for the season. The Bulldogs dropped the final three games and had less than 100 yards of total offense in all three games, however they trailed by less than ten points at the half at home against Chilton and at Bremond. “We knew even after losing the final three games that we were still a good football team,” stated head coach and athletic director Chad Coker, “We knew that we just had to find some way to be successful on offense after losing Tanner.”
The offense was found and the Bulldogs had a new lease on life. They went to a large lineup that used a power running game and topped Maud and Pineland West Sabine with huge rushing totals, including a playoff record 45 points in a playoff game. “The team bought into the ‘rhino’ lineup very quickly. The seniors were familiar with it since we ran it some during their 8th grade year, my first on the staff. Use our big strong lineman and fullbacks and just go right at people,” added Coker, “we felt like is was the best way for us to be successful at that point.”
The Bulldogs ran a feat that most schools would never have to do. They took on top ranked Mart twice in the same month, losing 55-7 in the regional quarterfinal at Mexia High School. They were also one of the final four in Region III, all schools from District 10-2A Division II. Coker summed up by saying, “Going three rounds deep was incredible, our community and the kids were fired up. It was exciting to see everyone come out and support us in the playoff games.”
The 2022 season for Wortham looks to be a productive year with returning backfield trio of Tanner and Yancey Bean and quarterback Ryken Lewis. Derek Bullard and Jon Ross Black return as the pass catching committee in the bulldog offense. The big guys up front become the focus of the offense and can move any obstacle, large or small, out of the way and into the end zone. Jason Evans, Anthony Fortoul, James Rissmiller, and Mason Montgomery return to the offensive line. Cash Perez moves into a bigger role as tight end.
The Wortham defense uses many of the players and are the deepest they have been in a while. Bullard returns to the secondary as the leader in interceptions and Black will also see significant time coming off an injury in his freshman season. Coach Coker expects Bullard to have a breakout season for the Bulldogs. Evans, Fortoul, and Perez anchor a very talented defensive front and some additions should deepen the position even more. Yancy Bean, Jesse Saldana and James Johnson should see some time there. Jake Bayer and Kymani Johnson are newcomers for the Bulldogs and should pay instant dividends for the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Preston Sterling returns as the leading tackler and will provide some highlight reel plays for the Bulldog defense.
Wortham did have some impact losses in personnel but the returns put the Bulldogs in a position to improve their playoff standing and contend with the Mart Panthers for the top spot.
This season could be a new medium and be called “The Best of Times.” Only time will tell but this Bulldog team is ready and willing to work for the goals that tried to elude them last season. They fought through it to the third round and the fight renews with their 2022 opener in Kerens on August 26.
The Bulldogs finish the non-district games at home against Rosebud-Lott, Leon and Blooming Grove. They open district on the road at Hubbard and return home against Meridian. They travel to Hico for the first meeting in school history against the Tigers and take on the Frost Polar Bears in their annual homecoming game. They travel to Mart before the open week and finish the regular season at home against heated rival Dawson.
(Photos by Melissa Perez)
