In 2015, the Lanier County Bulldogs embarked upon new territory. Incoming head coach Carl Parker looked to alter the landscape of the football program and in doing so instilled a level of expectation that aimed to propel the team to gridiron glory. Changes were made, and plans were implemented. By the end of the year, however, the Bulldogs were on the receiving end of a 1-9 season that was undoubtedly tough to stomach.
But what would come of the ashes of 2015 would be more than a single win. It would be fuel, a flame that would ignite the hearts and desires of not just the team roster, but the school, the community, and the town of Lakeland.
Under the guidance of Parker, the team discovered a newfound value of perseverance. The program was started in 1924, but had been disbanded from 1927 until its resurgence in 1997. Since its recreation, the team has only seen three winning seasons (2006, 2010, and 2011). But in the now, none of that matters. Parker has instilled in his student-athletes the value of determination. These young men have a strong understanding that you are truly as good as your effort. People may rank you by record alone, but what goes on behind the scenes is what truly separates winners from losers.
The town of Lakeland has plenty to be proud of in their Bulldogs. The team carries a blue-collar work ethic and refuses to settle for anything less than ultimate effort. This year, a duo of two-sport talents is wearing the pride of the county on their chests proudly. Matthew Hardy and Matt White are touted by Parker as leaders and hard workers. And with these two leading the way, the sky is the limit for the Lanier County Bulldogs.
Matt White
Senior Matt White is used to the spotlight, and he uses it as fuel to flourish under pressure. In addition to being an Honor Roll student, he has led the way as a four-year quarterback for the Lanier County football team.
“We haven’t always had football here (in Lanier County),” White said. “It’s an honor to be a part of it.”
His talents have clearly been recognized. As a member of the Bulldogs’ roster, he was named an All-Region team member in 2015. During that season, he also left his stamp on the record books; against Wilcox County, he set a school record of 296 passing yards and four touchdowns. This feat would eventually be but a building block in a season that saw White also set a school record for passing yards in a season.
On the field, while the final score may not have painted an entirely pleasant story, the Bulldogs refused to settle for less than their best. One major reason for that was the man under center; White knew that in order to be able to push his teammates, he had to lead by example.
“Coach Parker always told us last year that we had to ‘deserve to win.’” White said. “I think that is really sinking in with us in 2016. We want to build the culture of this program, and we are learning the value of putting in work. We’ve done just as much as everybody else, and now we just have to get out there and take what we’ve earned.”
The feeling is a constant within the walls of the locker room. White’s never-say-die attitude has rubbed off on the entire team. Heads held high, the Bulldogs understand that the biggest accomplishment will be a united front against any and all comers.
“Football is like a brotherhood,” White said. “My teammates are like my family. I would do anything for them, and I know the feeling is mutual.”
Not only does he shine in the classroom and on the football field, but White is also an outstanding centerfielder and pitcher for the Lanier County varsity baseball team. He was named to the All-Region First Team as a freshman and the second team as a sophomore. As a junior, he was named to the All-State First Team in addition to earning the region’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
“I’ve been playing forever,” White said with a laugh. “Ever since I could hold a bat. My competitiveness comes from my dad (Lanier County head coach John White). The pros would be a dream come true for me.”
Matthew Hardy
Sophomore Matthew Hardy quickly grew accustomed to the small-town life of Lanier County. The son of Terri and Richard Hardy, his father’s role as a member of the United States Air Force kept the family on the go. Since the age of 8, however, Lakeland has been home, and for that same amount of time, football has rested on Hardy’s heart.
“I love the physicality of the game,” Hardy said. “Just being able to go out there and give it my all, there’s nothing like it. I love being able to compete every day.”
Primarily an outside linebacker, Hardy is the willing type of athlete that has no issue with playing wherever he is needed. Also spending time on occasion at safety, receiver, and quarterback, he knows that action is everything. Being the type of player that likes to lead by example, Hardy was able to learn valuable lessons over the last two seasons from Parker. One in particular stood out above the rest.
“Coach has taught me to be more vocal,” Hardy said. “Communication is everything. I know that teammates are watching me, but talking with them and communicating when necessary can make us all better, whether it’s out there on that field or in our everyday lives.”
In Parker’s first season with the team, there was a noticeable difference on the field, mainly in involvement. The roster was not as deep as it is this year, and Hardy believes that was a key reason for occasional lapses in team enthusiasm.
“Last year, we would stick in games for the first half, but then our competitiveness would fall off,” Hardy said. “This summer, we had nearly double the attendance at summer camp. Now, there’s a list of guys fighting for time at every position. We all understand that if there’s a bad day or an off night, you can lose your spot to someone that is having a better day. It forces us to give our best at all times, and that shows on the field.”
The determination has paid dividends. In 2015, blowout losses became the norm for the team. This year, there is a clear difference in the team morale. Losses may still come, but teams are learning that the Bulldogs refuse to go down without a fight.
“This year, there’s been so many closer games already,” Hardy said. “Because of our fight, we’re three or four plays away from a 3-2 record. That alone shows us that heart is everything. If we believe it can be done, the only thing left to do is fight for what we want.”
ITG Web Content
Giving Their All: Duo Looks To Take Lanier Football To New Heights
Written by James A. Washington
Photo by Micki K Photography
