Bulldogs Eye Postseason Run After Solid Offseason

ALAMO, GA – Optimism is running high in Alamo as the Wheeler County High School Bulldogs prepare to kick off their 2024 football season. After a respectable 7-4 finish last year, including a 4-2 mark in Region 4 that earned them a state playoff berth, the Bulldogs are eager to build on that success. Despite a first-round exit to Jenkins County in the postseason, Head Coach Thomas Smith's squad is returning a wealth of talent and is clearly hungry for more.

Coach Smith expressed satisfaction with the team's summer workouts, calling it the 'best summer of workouts in his past five years.' The hard work paid off early, with the Bulldogs having a great showing at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes 7-on-7 event in Dublin. With just over 40 players expected on the roster, depth and talent appear to be on Wheeler County's side. The Architects: Coaching Staff Reinforcements Coach Smith leads a dedicated coaching staff. Wesley Lowry returns as the Defensive Coordinator, and Drew Collins also returns as Offensive Coordinator and overseeing the offensive line. Calvin Wilcox returns to coach the defensive line, Sincere Carnes handles running backs, and Ken Pack will mentor the quarterbacks and secondary. Garrett McDonald rounds out the staff, assisting with running backs and receivers.

Offensive Onslaught: Explosive Backfield Leads the Charge The Bulldogs' offense looks poised for a dominant season, particularly in the backfield. The most exciting news might be the return of Rico Wooten at quarterback. After missing last season due to injury, Coach Smith believes Wooten's presence will be a significant boost to the team's overall dynamic.

But the true strength could lie in the ground game. Alvin Ricks returns after an incredible season where he led the Single A Classification in rushing and finished third overall in the state with a staggering 1,950 yards. Joining him is Justin Culver, who also surpassed the 1,000yard mark last season, forming a formidable onetwo punch. Expect other backs to also get carries, ensuring a fresh and powerful running attack.

In the passing game, JJ Woodard, KT Troupe, and Jah Dinkins are all back at receiver and are projected to be crucial targets in the air attack.

The biggest question mark on offense will be the line. The Bulldogs graduated three seniors from last year's offensive line, two of whom are continuing their careers in college. While those are big shoes to fill, the team is confident new players will step up. Returning center Rhett Mc-Cranie will be key in anchoring the unit. Sophomore Trey Williams has shown promise at strong side guard, while Jackson Scott transitions from tight end to quick side guard. Sophomore Jerrick Peoples, described as having potential to play in college, will be at quick tackle, alongside junior Luke Smith at strong side tackle. Coach Smith lauded the offensive line's summer efforts, praising their hard work and coachability, noting they 'just need to get game reps to have the experience that they need to continue to improve.'

Defensive Dogs: Anchors Up Front and Speed in the Secondary On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs are building around a strong core. Up front, Isiah Williams is expected to anchor the defensive line at nose guard, flanked by Justin Culver and Nate Wright at defensive end, ready to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The linebacker corps features returning middle linebacker Jaden Bridges. Lane Connell makes a move from outside to inside linebacker, bringing versatility, and Laith Davis will fill the other inside spot. At outside linebacker, KT Troupe and Sencear Marks are set to make an impact.

In the secondary, Jah Dinkins and JJ Woodard will lead the coverage at cornerback, while Rico Wooten will be patrolling the field from the free safety position, showcasing his two-way talent. Leadership and Outlook

Several key players have stepped up as leaders for the Bulldogs, including Alvin Ricks, Lane Connell, KT Troupe, Rico Wooten, and Sencear Marks. Their leadership will be vital as the team navigates a challenging schedule. continued from page

Wheeler County will face four nonregion contests before diving into what is expected to be another tough Region 4 schedule. This early slate will be crucial for the offensive line to gain those much-needed game reps and for the team to gel before the intensity of region play begins.

Coach Smith emphasized the team's commitment, stating, 'They have just done a great job in the weight room. I have been proud of their work ethic, but we have to continue to get better every day.' He also expressed gratitude for the robust support the program receives, from Athletic Director Coach Dupree, to Mr. Wilcher (facilities), Principal Mr. Bell, and Superintendent Dr. Alvarez, highlighting that 'we are just blessed.' He added, 'We also have a great community behind us. They are always there to feed these kids, get them what we need, and just be as supportive as possible. What they do means so much to these kids every week.'

With a potent rushing attack, returning quarterback, and a strong coaching staff, the Wheeler County Bulldogs are not just looking to make the playoffs; they're aiming for a much deeper push into the postseason.

Wheeler Running Backs – (L to R, Front): Sencear Marks, Justin Culver, Jah’Koryan Dinkins, Alvin Ricks, M’Kaylin McDuffie, Carter Tobler; (Middle): Lane Connell, Jaden Bridges, John Miller, Malik Madison, Dakari Robinson; (Back): Coach Garrett McDonald.Photo by Mike Branch

Wheeler Quarterbacks – (L to R, Front): Marley Peeples, Reco Wooten, Kavion Williams; (Back): Coach Ken Pack.Photo by Mike Branch

Wheeler Tight Ends – (L to R, Front): Amur Weeks, Kasyn Troup, #7 Left Team, Ahmad McMillian, JJ Woodard; (Middle): Riley Dean, Lane Connell, Konner Smith, Ethan Hall; (Back): Coach Garrett McDonald.Photo by Mike Branch