The Gazette-Enterprise

POTEET — A lot of players in the same situation as the Marion Bulldogs (1-8, 0-4) would’ve stocked up on postage stamps by now, simply mailing in the remainder of their season.

But not head coach Glenn Davis’ club.

Despite a laundry list of recent injuries that ravaged an already short-handed roster, the Bulldogs have showed up to practice each and every day ready to work, which Davis says shows both character and resolve.

“We have not had to deal with egos and bad attitudes, and that’s what I love about this group,” Davis said. “They’re 1-8 but they’ve never quit, and I’m very proud of that.”

Marion’s final opponent of 2009 knows about going through tough times as well. The Poteet Aggies (3-5, 0-4) — a playoff team a year ago — were predicted to stumble this season following the very messy and very public dismissal of former head coach Randy Palmer.

But Poteet began the season 3-0 under Mario Heredia, posting wins over Dilley (34-27), San Antonio Memorial (49-0) and Pleasanton (34-27). Then, however, the competition level picked up, with the Aggies losing consecutive games to Navarro and their four previous District 27-3A opponents by a combined score of 177-56.

Davis says that Poteet has also had its fair share of bumps and bruises along the way, but still possesses a quality group of players.

“They’re a whole lot like they were last year,” Davis said. “They’ve had some injuries to their skill positions so they’ve lost a little bit of their explosion, but they’re still dangerous.”

Running back Matt Santos is the Aggies’ biggest weapon, having rushed for 1,097 yards and 11 touchdowns on 146 carries. Through the air, quarterback Joe Sanchez is 38-98 for 558 yards and seven scores, also tossing five interceptions.

Brandon Herrera is Poteet’s leading pass-catcher, with 201 yards and four touchdowns on 10 receptions thus far.

Defensively, Davis says the Aggies will base out of a 3-4 look, which Marion may try to take advantage of in the running game. Senior Hunter Brietzke is the team’s leading rusher with 521 yards and four scores, while quarterback Derek Pierce is making only his career second start at the position — although Davis said he was pleased with how far the sophomore signal caller has come in a year.

“You’re looking at a kid who started his freshman year as an offensive lineman,” Davis said. “He just soaks it all in and wants to learn and was very nervous last week, but I thought he handled himself extremely well.

“I’m very proud of him.”

Furthermore, Davis said he wants his team to finish strong in order to send his senior class out on a high note.

“We feel like we can go out there and control the ball, make some first downs, go score and keep the ball out of their hands,” Davis said. “We’re playing to get a big win.”

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Poteet.

Share | Save | Mail | Print | Comment

Bringing Life To Your Doorstep Since 1888

A Southern Newspapers publication.