Bulldog roster increases to 8

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs football team enjoyed a productive outing in its first scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 11.

“It went very well last week,” Bulldogs coach John Hughes said.

Moran scored eight times during its three-team workout with Trent and Brookesmith at Trent, while not allowing a score.

The Bulldogs get their final tuneup at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 (tonight) at Lueders-Avoca.

At Trent, Connor Hail had two rushing touchdowns, Ellis Hise passed for two scores, and Tyler Waddell had TDs rushing and receiving. Caleb York also had a TD catch.

“Defensively, it was a group effort,” Hughes said. “All seven guys were in on the action someway, somehow.”

Hughes said the three-team format allowed Moran to make adjustments against different opponents.

“Both the teams we played were tight offenses and didn’t really spread it out,” he said. “We made all the adjustments we needed to make. Most of these guys have been with me for four years and they know what’s going on.”

In addition to Hail, Hise, Waddell, and York, Cotton Campbell, Zech Henderson, and Max Oliver took the field for Moran. It was the first action for Oliver, a freshman.

“We were able to borrow a helmet from Trent that fit him, so he was able to get in on a bunch of stuff,” Hughes said.

The Bulldogs roster continued to grow this week with the addition of freshman Ethan Boykin. Hughes said he will be eligible for this week’s scrimmage.

Hughes said he is looking for the team to show improvement in the second scrimmage before opening the season Friday, Aug. 26 at Benjamin.

“Next week, we’re going to play the No. 1 team in the state. We’re going to do what we can to try to prepare for that.” the coach said. “We’re going to do what we can to be better, and when we get over to Benjamin, just play our best that we can play.”