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The Waller Bulldogs entered the 2009 season with one goal in mind: return to the Texas high school football playoffs. During the first two scrimmages and now entering three contests of pre-district games, the coach’s message has been simple: improve each week.
The Bulldogs have three very formidable opponents in the first three weeks before entering district play, and the team knows that none of those teams can keep the 'Dogs from being in the playoffs. The district season is the main priority.
At left, Waller quarterback Miller Pierce eludes LaMarque defenders during the Bulldogs’ 19-0 loss to open the 2009 season Aug. 28.
Photo by Justin Elbert
The LaMarque Cougars came in as an underrated opponent on the verge of returning to elite status. In the season opener for both teams on Aug. 28, the Cougars shutout the Bulldogs 19-0, but there were many bright spots for Waller
Offensively, the Bulldogs seem to struggle with LaMarque's speed and strength of the defensive line and linebackers. However, there were several opportunities to break big plays, and the Bulldogs seemed to be one or two assignments away from creating "prefect plays."
Chris Carroll, Chad Madden, Miller Pierce and Deandre Bell ran tough for the Bulldogs. The offensive line of Pat Villareal, Jason Lafferty, Sean Mangum, Alex McFaddin, Ryan Honeycutt and Glenn Hill gave great effort against a ferocious interior Cougar defense. Sean Mangum played especially well.
Another compliment to the Bulldog offensive line was their consistent pass blocking. Christ Tompkins, Austin Tilton and David McDade made solid catches in the passing game. Tompkins, Tilton and Greg Allen also have to be commended for their downfield blocking.
The Cougars scored twice on gifts from the Bulldogs. Once, a strong head wind forced a short punt that gave the Cougars the ball on the Bulldog 35-yard line. They threw a deep pass on third and 10 to score.
On another occasion, the Bulldogs had LaMarque backed up on their own three yard line and the Cougars threw a seam right.
Alton Alfred and Tompkins were in great position, but instead hit each other and the Cougar receiver raced untouched for a 97-yard touchdown. The Bulldog defense shut the Cougars out in the 2nd half.
Jacobie White, Josh Dorsey, Jordan Ondijo, Darius Nash, Trent Rape and Jordan Gooden made running the ball tough all night. Tyler Bain did a great job of leading the defense and making on field adjustments to get Waller lined up correctly.
Glen Gilliam, Keith White and David McDade made solid plays on the edge from their linebacker positions. Chad Madden, Tompkins, Miller Pierce, Kalyn Utz, Alfred, Jyrin Broussard, Jonathon White and Allen played well in the secondary with good coverage and knocking down balls. B.J. Kwiatkowski also chipped in with a timely interception.
The special teams play was a bright spot for the Bulldogs. Christian Castro did a great job punting the ball, often pinning the Cougars deep in their own territory. Jyrin Broussard, Jonathon White and Chris Carroll had some big returns to create field position advantages as well.
The Bulldogs next play Sept. 11 when they travel to take on Nederland.
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