Head Coach Jim Anderson really likes the 2016 Bulldogs. “We had some good wins last year and built on the success that we had in 2014 after going winless in 2013. This group has been through the fire and they have stuck with it. They know what it takes” says the coach entering his 16th year with Freeport.
Building on the first non-losing season since 2012, the Bulldogs return seven starters on both sides of the ball. But there is a catch – those 14 starters are made up of nine players. Having less than 25 players annually, and that’s 25 TOTAL on the team, most players have to play on both sides of the ball. The reality is some never leave the field from the opening kick-off to the final whistle. Conditioning, work ethic and most importantly, avoiding injury are always on the mind of Coach Anderson.
Coach Anderson is also looking for better results in 2016 with a brand new spread offense. Returning backfield duo of Chris Decker and Zack Seay give the coach confidence. Decker rushed for an incredible 1,014 yards on 192 carries (5.3 YPC) and Seay accounted for 20 touchdowns (16 rushing, 4 passing).
On the defensive side of the ball, the line will again be anchored by Dalton Simpler and Shannon Carswell. Oh, and Chris Decker at linebacker and Zack Seay roaming the secondary.
Coach Anderson smiles and says, “we have a very smart and committed team, great chemistry, work ethic, and cohesion. We have more talent and speed than we typically have.” Perhaps that is the key word for Freeport in 2016 – more.
Freeport Bulldogs
Written by Arnold Gamber
