12 Aug 2012 QUITMAN: Bulldogs aim to make more history in 2012
Classification: 5-2A
Coach: Fritz Heidenreich
Last Season: 7-4 (5-2)
The Quitman Bulldogs made school history in 2011.
“Last season was the first winning season in school history, so that was a big positive,” Coach Fritz Heidenreich said. “We played especially well in the conference. However, we didn’t make it past the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.”
The goal is clear for the 2012 Bulldogs: return to the playoffs and get that first post-season victory.
The Bulldogs return seven starters to their Spread offense, including Chase Stewart (6-0, 170). The senior earned all-conference honors at receiver last fall.
“Chase plays hard every play,” Heidenreich said.
Stewart is also an asset as a defensive back and in special teams.
“He has a knack for making plays,” Heidenreich said. “He should be our go-to receiver and leader of the secondary.”
Senior Hunter Martin (6-2, 185) started some at quarterback last year, passing for 805 yards, but this year he will be seeing time mostly at receiver. Senior Allen Mannon (5-9, 210) returns at running back after posting 1,189 yards and 18 touchdowns — all-state numbers — last year.
“The biggest obstacle facing us this year is being able to move the ball with a relatively inexperienced offensive line,” Heidenreich said. “Our strength on offense will be veteran receivers and an all-state running back returning. Our weaknesses will be an unproven quarterback and inexperienced offensive line.”
Senior Dakota Bohannan (5-9, 150) returns at corner for the Bulldog defense and also provides depth at receiver.
“Our strength on defense should be our secondary,” Heidenreich said. “Our weaknesses will be inexperience at linebacker and lack of size on the defensive line.
“Our goal is always to be state champions. First, you have to make the playoffs; so making the playoffs is the first goal with an eye on the state title. If you don’t think you can, you won’t.”
501 Football Team 2012 –
Chase Stewart
Classification: Senior
Position: WR/DB
On the field: Chase plays hard every play. He hustles even when he is not getting the ball. He is one of our most aggressive players. We never question whether Chase is giving his all. He will do whatever it takes to win. He doesn’t care if he is the star; he just wants to win.
Community work: He is a reader to our elementary students and is involved in other sports.
Sportsmanship: Some would question his sportsmanship because of his intensity on the field. However, he does not seek to embarrass opponents. He just plays at a high speed.
Classroom: He is a good student. His GPA is approximately 3.5. He is nice to his fellow students.
Expectations: I expect him to be our leader on offense and defense as well as contribute on special teams. He has a knack for making plays. He should be our go-to receiver and leader of the secondary.
Last season: He made some key receptions and blocks on offense. He had some key interceptions on defense. He also had a kickoff and a punt return for touchdowns. Finally, he kicked extra points.