25 Aug 2010 501 Football Extra: Quitman Bulldogs

Quitman finished 3-7 on the year.

“We started good, but then we were plagued by turnovers and giving up big plays,” Coach Fritz Heidenreich said. “Two victories in mid-season gave us renewed life. We played better down the stretch but came up short. Our kids battled hard.”

2009 was a year of improvement – the Bulldogs only recorded one win in 2008.

“As a team we were balanced, throwing for 1,713 yards and rushing for 1,126 yards,” Heidenreich said. “Obviously those numbers need to be higher, but we were able to do both. We turned the ball over more than 20 times. That number must be reduced if we are to be successful.”

Senior Aaron Parker (6-1, 165) returns as the Bulldogs’ team leader at quarterback. Junior Zach Dickerson (5-11, 170) will carry the load at running back.

“Parker must read defenses correctly and get rid of the ball quickly,” Heidenreich said. “He must manage the game. He’s very coachable. Dickerson must be able to run the ball 20 to 25 times a game for us and help on pass blocking. He’s a hardnosed, strong runner.”

Senior Tyler Powell (6-1, 260) returns to anchor the offensive line at left tackle.

“Powell needs to be our guy who can stop pass rushing defensive ends,” Heidenreich said. “We really need him to be the leader on the offensive line. Offensively we look to run the ball more out of the Spread. We have an experienced offensive line and running back. Our quarterback threw well in the spring. Our question mark is a group of young receivers.”

Six starters return on defense, led by Casey Murphey (6-0, 225) at middle linebacker.

“Murphey is our strongest overall player,” Heidenreich said. “He’s a team leader. We need him to plug up the middle and learn pass coverage responsibilities. Defensively we have more overall speed than last year. The defensive line rotation is still a question. We have some young defensive linemen that could make a difference. In the secondary, we are inexperienced but talented. We expect to be stingier and create some big plays.”

The Bulldogs remain in the 5-2A, but the conference looks different than last year. Danville is out, and Lutheran has dissolved its program. Magnet Cove moves in from the 3A, and Poyen is fielding its first varsity team.

“Magnet Cove will definitely be a front runner along with Conway Christian,” Heidenreich said. “Mountain Pine, Bigelow and Two Rivers are always tough in our conference. Hector is coming back after a year out of football, and our team along with Poyen are still new to football.

“The top two spots may be a given, but who knows what will happen on any given Friday night?”

5 Players to Watch: Casey Murphey (Sr. LB), Tyler Powell (Sr. OL), Zach Dickerson (Jr. RB), Chris Grubbs (Jr. OL) and Hunter Martin (So. DB).

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1 Must-see Game: “The first game against Rose Bud is a rivalry game. Both teams run a fast tempo Spread offense.” – Heidenreich

2010 Schedule

Sept. 3        Rose Bud
Sept. 10    at Conway Christian*
Sept. 17    at Bigelow*
Sept. 24    Mountain Pine*
Oct. 1        Poyen*
Oct. 8        Hector*
Oct. 15        at Two Rivers*
Oct. 22        at Magnet Cove*
Nov. 5        Mountainburg