Conference: 5-2A

Coach: DJ Marrs

’17 Record: 2-8

Quitman struggled to produce wins in DJ Marrs’s first season with the Bulldogs, but the season wasn’t defined simply by the overall record.

“When I got here in June, there were only 14 players on the roster, so we were able to get some players out of the hallways and finish the season,” Marrs said. “We didn’t win as many as we wanted, but the juniors learned a lot and will be better leaders this year because of last season.”

The Bulldogs had three receivers with more than 400 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year, and two of them return this fall (seniors Trey Lovelady and Isaac Clemmons). Senior David Alvarez is Quitman’s No. 3 receiving option. Sophomore Holden Martin takes over at quarterback, and junior Spencer Sipes starts at running back. Senior Seth Haynes is versatile at H-back/tight end. Evan Barfield, Darian Boyce, Jett Silor, Caleb Ivy and Parker Davis will start on the offensive line.

“We expect to be more explosive on offense,” Marrs said. “We have more speed and more athleticism, so with better play up front, we should be able to make the bigger plays to score quickly.”

The Bulldogs’ top tacklers return from last year — middle linebacker Boyce (71 tackles) and outside linebacker Haynes (68 tackles). Junior Dylan Hensley and Lovelady start at the other two ‘backer spots. Sipes, Ivy and Barfield fill in the front three on the defensive line. Sophomore Landon Luman and senior Allen Jones defend the corners, and senior Cordell Williams and sophomore Erin Mathes start at safety.

“Defensively, we are installing a new scheme,” Marrs said. “We hope to be able to be more versatile against spread teams and tougher up front to stop the run and get the defense off the field. Our strengths are improved numbers. We played last season with 17 to 18 players. This year, in summer workouts we have 27. Weaknesses will be youth.  Fourteen of our 27 are sophomores, and several of them will have to contribute in key roles and grow up fast.

“Every single team is improved in the 5-2A. Conway Christian, Magnet Cove and England will battle it out for the top spot, however Poyen has some really good young talent.”

5 Players to Watch: 

Isaac Clemmons (Sr. WR/DB)

Trey Lovelady (Sr. WR/LB)

Darian Boyce (Sr. OL/LB)

Seth Haynes (Sr. WR/LB)

David Alvarez (Sr. WR/DB)

1 Must-see Game:

“Week 1 at Rose Bud. It’s a very good rivalry between two schools that are eight miles apart. All the kids know each other, and it’s always a fun game.” — Marrs

2018 Schedule:

Aug. 31at Rose Bud

Sept. 7 Midland

Sept. 14 Marshall

Sept. 21 at Bigelow

Sept. 28 Cutter Morning Star

Oct. 5 at Magnet Cove

Oct. 12 Conway Christian

Oct. 19 at Poyen

Oct. 26 England

Nov. 1 at Mountain Pine

501 Football Team ’18

Isaac Clemmons

Classification: Sr.

Position: WR/DB

On the field: Great ability to get open and go up and get the ball.

Off the field: Huge work ethic and dedication to his school. He plays four sports, plays a plethora of instruments in the band, is the VP of Student Council and is on every committee the school offers.