The Marion Bulldogs make their first visit to Warhorse Stadium in many, many years as they come in to the contest looking to rebound from last week’s somewhat narrow loss at the hands of the Navarro Panthers. Devine on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from consecutive losses against Boerne and San Antonio Brackenridge that began their 2017 campaign.
Bruce Salmon’s Bulldogs defeated Austin Eastside Memorial 62-0 in week one before playing Navarro last Friday. The Panthers defeated the Bulldogs 49-35 in a game that many outside of Marion thought would be by a wider margin. Marion was eliminated 62-30 from the 2016 playoffs by a talented Yoakum ball club. In Dave Campbell’s magazine, Salmon stated that his team had a chance to grow up in the offseason after finishing in second place in Division 1 District 13-3A.
This season, the coaches have picked the Bulldogs to finish second once again behind a Lago Vista team that routinely advances in the state playoffs. Luling, Cole, Ingram, and Randolph round out the picks.
Players to look for when Marion has the ball are running back Jacob Berry (5-10, 185), who Coach Salmon is looking for to provide senior leadership. Under center will be quarterback Taylor Mills (6-0, 180) who will try to find primary target wide receiver Jacob Wallace (6-4, 180).
Marion’s best all-around athlete is Cage Armstrong (6-0, 200) who rushed for 704 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Cole Doerr (6-1, 210) and Cody Abrameit (5-10, 270) will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines.
When the Warhorses have the ball, look for them to add a few wrinkles to their offensive repertoire. As the team continues to learn the new offense, a few growing pains have kept points off the board in the opening two games. Look for Devine to be excited about playing in front of their home crowd and expect the Warhorses to put on a good show for all their loyal supporters.
“Marion is another tough challenge for us,” stated Head Coach Paul Gomez. “All three of their top receivers are over 6’3” and have great hands. Both of their running backs are good runners, but each have different styles. Armstrong is quick and fast with a very elusive running game while Berry is more of a bruiser who can get short yardage for first downs. This is not going to be an easy ballgame but our kids are looking forward to the challenges that this game will present to us.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. If you are not able to be at the game in person, click on audio sports online and follow the prompts or download the tunein app on your mobile or tablet.
By Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Ad published 8-23-17
