12 Aug 2014 Quitman: Bulldogs view 'new outlook'

Conference: 5-2A
Coach: Brett Shrable
’13 Record: 2-8 (1-6)

Sometimes football can be simplified down to a game of raw numbers — namely low numbers.

“[Last season was] disappointing,” said Brett Shrable, Quitman’s new head coach. “We started with 22 or 23 guys and ended with 14. Walker Johnson (quarterback) got hurt in the fifth or sixth game, and that took the wind out of their sails.”

This worn down Quitman squad finished the regular season 2-8. But a new head coach brings a renewed sense of energy.

“Increased participation is a strength,” Shrable said. “We have 28 players, up from 14. We have a new outlook.”

Expected starters for the Bulldogs include: senior Josh Harrison (right tackle), senior Royce Katzer (slot receiver/cornerback), Johnson (tight end/defensive end), junior Michael McCray (outside receiver/safety), junior Chris Milam (fullback/linebacker), junior Darrick Sullivan (guard/defensive end), junior Trevor Williams (slot receiver/linebacker), sophomore Justin Johnson (guard/defensive tackle), sophomore Abi Quioz (left tackle/defensive tackle), Braxton Varvil and Kaleb Luttrel (cornerbacks) and Kyle Thompson and Michael Lewis (linebackers). Sophomore Trey McGhee returns at quarterback.

“Trey led the team in passing, rushing and overall leadership last season,” Shrable said. “Trey is the type of athlete that makes sure the other players are getting recognized and getting the credit. He is eager to point out the accomplishments of others.

“Offensively, we expect to be very balanced. We have a very gifted quarterback and receivers that can catch. Our weakness is our kicking game.”