Trip to playoffs tops Bulldogs' goals
It might be now or never for Harlem football.
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Harlem players listen to coaches during a time-out against Oglethorpe County. Coach Lewis said depth was a problem with the Bulldogs during last season's 3-7 campaign, something he hopes to change by limiting the number of offensive linemen who play both defense and offense Harlem is seeking its first playoff appearance since 2001.
Photo by Jonathan Heeter
With only six seniors, the Bulldogs will field a young, but talented, team this season. But there is an urgency to make the playoffs this year.
Harlem competes in the north subregion of 3-AAA, which has only two playoff spots.
Perennial power Thomson is all but a guaranteed to win one of those spots. With region realignment, Washington County will join the region in 2006 and the Golden Hawks haven't missed the playoffs since coach Rick Tomberlin took over more than a decade ago.
"I won't say we can't compete but it will be tough," coach Jimmie Lewis said. "You're talking about two of the top programs in the state, and they might be the top two in AAA."
This year won't be easy, though.
Harlem quarterback Brendan Gray scrambles for a few yards against Oglethorpe County. Gray, the fastest player on the team, will be counted on to do a lot of things in the Bulldogs' option offense this fall. He should have many choices - players on the Bulldogs' offensive line average 260 pounds.
Photo by Jonathan Heeter
Harlem likely will have to overcome subregion favorites Glenn Hills and Thomson.
Thomson is as loaded with talent as the team has been in the past few years. But Harlem hopes to be able to overtake the Spartans for the final subregion playoff spot.
Other subregion competitors include Glenn Hills, which has two legitimate Division I prospects in running back Ricky Young and receiver Brandon Whitley, Cross Creek and Hephzibah.
At Cross Creek, Razorback quarterback Donald Hudson is one of the top players in the area, and the Hephzibah Rebels' Catron Gainey has committed to Duke.
"I think our region will be more competitive than last year," Lewis said. "Everybody is better. But we've got potential to be good."
Harlem will have quarterback Brendan Gray in the starting role coming out of camp, a luxury the Bulldogs didn't have last year when three players competed for the job.
Harlem backup quarterback Alex Hintz looks to hand the ball off in a recent scrimmage with Oglethorpe County. The Bulldogs, who have only six seniors, will field a young team against subregion heavyweights Thomson and Glenn Hills. "I think our region will be more competitive than last year," coach Jimmie Lewis said. "Everybody is better. But we've got potential to be good."
Photo by Jonathan Heeter
Gray is a dynamic play-maker and is the fastest player on the team. He runs the option well and will be counted on to do a lot offensively for Harlem.
"He's been working hard, keeping his eyes on his reads," linebacker Maurice Dorsey said. "He should be pretty good this year."
Gray has a number of weapons in the backfield.
Gabe Greer, Harlem's leading rusher last season, tore his anterior cruciate ligament playing touch football in the spring. Coaches were worried Greer would be lost for the season, but it appears he will be back by the second or third game. Greer also will be counted on as a cornerback.
Caleb Cosby broke a number of long runs in a recent scrimmage against Oglethorpe County and is the power running back. Matt Maddox is the speed back.
The biggest asset to the backfield is the huge offensive line. With an average weight of 260 pounds, the Bulldogs' line is easily the heaviest in the county.
"It's a pretty big offensive line," Lewis said. "And it's a pretty darn good one. It's the biggest we have had in a long time. It's a nice size for us. I'm pretty pleased with our offensive line."
Lewis said he will try and limit the number of offensive linemen who play on both offense and defense.
"I think depth was our biggest problem last year," Lewis said. "Guys got tired as the game went on."
One player Lewis is being extra-careful not to overexert is Dorsey.
At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Dorsey is one of the biggest prospects Harlem has ever had. The junior has gotten attention from Louisville, Auburn and Southern Miss.
"We're going to use him at fullback but try to keep him fresh," Lewis said. "He is too good at linebacker."