Bulldogs scrimmage set

By Kathy Thomson

The Moran football team traveled to Baird for the first scrimmage of the year last Friday, Aug. 16, and new head coach John Hughes had his first chance to see the Bulldogs matched up against players from other schools.

The scrimmage was a four-way event between Moran, Baird, Water Valley, and Abilene Christian.

“Overall, the guys did well for the first scrimmage,” said Hughes. “There were some mistakes, which is expected, but I was extremely pleased with how we performed.”

The coach said that he and assistant coach Matthew Hise had the team as well prepared as possible.

“I know that they are learning a new system, but having the opportunity to work with them once I got here has helped greatly,” Hughes said. “We are young this year, but that will be beneficial in the future.”

Although records are not kept during scrimmages, the Bulldogs were able to cross the goal line several times on Friday.

“We scored at least three times against each team, but gave up some scores as well,” said Hughes. 

The Bulldogs will travel to Gustine this Friday, Aug. 23 to scrimmage with both Gustine and Lingleville.

“I am looking to see some improvement over last week as we prepare for our season opener at Benjamin,” said Hughes.

Moran will be in Benjamin for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against the Mustangs on Friday, Aug. 30. 

Non-district play will continue with the Bulldogs’ home opener with Rising Star on Friday, Sept. 6, and then away games in Sidney on Sept. 13, Rotan on Sept. 20, and Woodson on Sept. 27.

Moran’s homecoming is set for Oct. 4 when the Chillicothe Eagles come to Bulldog Stadium.

The Bulldogs will stay at home to take on Three Way Oct. 11, and are open on Oct. 18.

District play will begin in Blackwell on Oct. 25.

Also in District 6-1A with Moran and Blackwell are Loraine and Trent.

Volleyball

The Lady Bulldogs are 1-1 on the season after losing in straight sets 7-25, 16-25, 17-25 to Lingleville last Saturday. 

“We were caught off guard with the short pushes (in the first set) but made our adjustments the second two sets and played better,” said coach Jo Hise. “Our serving was good, and the hustle was there, but we came up short.”

Moran welcomed Rotan to Bulldog Gym on Tuesday evening, but results were not available at press time.

The Lady Bulldogs are entered in tournaments in Gorman starting today, Aug. 22-24, and in Strawn next week on Aug. 29-31.

Then the girls will welcome Lingleville to Moran for a 5:00 p.m. game on Sept. 10.

District games in the combined 1A and 2A district 6 begin on Sept. 14 when Ranger comes to Bulldog Gym.

“We have a very young team with a lot of potential,” said Hise. “The more we play, the stronger we will become. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”