Bulldogs to start district after week off

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs football team spent last week’s open date preparing for district play, and coach John Hughes is optimistic about the team’s chances to extend its season.

The Bulldogs (0-7) open District 14-1A Division II at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 against Valera Panther Creek at Bulldog Field after facing a nondistrict schedule that included four teams that have been ranked in the top 25 of Division II and a pair of Division I opponents.

“We spent all last week lifting and conditioning,” Hughes said. “Monday, we watched film on Panther Creek together and talked about what we’re going to do. We’ve got three games, two games that we think are very winnable for us, starting with this one.”

Panther Creek (1-5) presents Moran an opportunity to put itself in contention.

“Panther Creek is going to be run-heavy,” Hughes said. “They’re about a 78 percent run team.”

Hughes said having the proper mental approach is key for the Bulldogs.

“We told the guys that everybody is even now,” he said. “If we pull this one off, we put ourselves in the driver’s seat to get a playoff spot.”

Running back Connor Hail has been Moran’s workhorse, rushing for 401 yards and five touchdowns on 91 carries. The rest of the team has 26 carries.

Quarterback Ellis Hise has passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Caleb York is the leading receiver with 12 catches for 87 yards. Tyler Waddell has both TD receptions.

Defensively, Hail leads the Bulldogs with 26 total tackles, followed by Hise with 24, York with 20, and Ethan Boykin with 19. York has two fumble recoveries, with Hise getting one. Hail has an interception, and Boykin has blocked two kicks.