Featured image: Raul Arevalo shows the team how to do the jumps.
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
GERALDINE, Ala. — The Geraldine Varsity Bulldogs have what it takes to be a powerhouse in Class 3A this season. They have several talented players to choose from this year, all who have the strength and the speed to set the Bulldogs above the pact.
This week, I had the honor of going “Inside the Huddle” with the Geraldine Bulldogs. When I arrived at Coolidge-Isbell Field my car thermometer read 98 degrees. As I sat, watching the team warm up with several sets of sprints, I was uncertain if I could make it on to the field without melting from the heat. The heat did not seem to phase the Bulldogs at all. When most would be ready for a little vacation before the holiday break, the Bulldogs were hard at work. I could sense the Bulldogs are willing to go the extra mile because that is what it takes to succeed. I visited on “Explosion” day. Explosion is a fast paced practice working on several different aspects; speed, strength and agility. I was certainly impressed with what I saw on the field. Every player gave it their all. There was even a player with a cast on who did not want to sit out of any of the workout sets.
Coach Waldrop will be starting his second year as the Head Coach of the Bulldogs. He has formed a good relationship with the team. You can see that the players have the upmost respect for him. Coach Waldrop and his team seem to mesh very well together. The players seem to know what he is going to say before he says it. The players are ready and eager. This is their year to show how tough they actually are. Last year, they faced several strong teams and their record did not reflect their strengths.
2015 RECORD:
Geraldine finished the 2015 with a 6-5 record. In region play, they went 4-3. The Bulldogs lost to Winfield 34-7 in the first round of State Playoffs.
PREPARATION:
The Geraldine Bulldogs practice three days a week at 5 p.m. On Monday, the team focuses on speed training. Tuesday’s are for agility and Thursday packs a powerful punch as the team does a series of “Explosions” workouts. After each workout, the players hit the weightroom for strength workouts. Official practice with helmets and shoulder pads will begin the first week of August.
PLAYERS:
Geraldine has nine returning seniors. The team boasts seven returning defensive starters and five offensive starters for the 2016 season.
COACHES:
Coach Brad Waldrop will return for his second season at Head Coach for the Geraldine Bulldogs. His brother, Coach Brian Waldrop will be his offensive coordinator. Coach Tim Arnold will be back as offensive and defensive line coach. Coach Jamie Gilbert will coach the outside linebackers.
SCHEDULE:
The Geraldine Bulldogs will start their 2016 season on the road for the first three games. On August 26, 2016, they will travel to face next door neighbor, Fyffe for what always is a tough battle. On September 2, 2016, they will gear up for another battle against Pisgah. The Bulldogs will travel to face Boaz on September 9, 2016. For their first home game, the Bulldogs will host Plainview Bears on September 16, 2016. On September 23, 2016 the Bulldogs will be back on the road as they face DAR. On September 30, Geraldine will face Brindlee Mountain at home. On October 7, 2016 Geraldine will host the Sylvania Rams. Geraldine will finish up regular season play at home on October 14, 2016 against New Hope.
With the schedule and the drive that the Bulldogs have, I expect them to go deep in the State Playoffs and maybe even bring back a blue trophy to Geraldine.
