Bulldogs in Brief

Head coach: Jimmie Lewis (16th season)

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2006 record: 4-6

2006 highlight: The 2006 season didn't start well for Harlem after a season-opening loss to Evans. The Bulldogs dropped six of their first eight games but ended the season on a high note with blowout wins over Butler and Cross Creek. Those last two games saw Harlem outscore its opponents 79-20. Still, Harlem's top game of the year came at Washington County. Even though the visiting Bulldogs lost 40-26, they led at halftime and beat up on the state-playoff bound Golden Hawks for three quarters.

Last trip to postseason: 2001

Breakout season: Carlos Beard played quarterback on the junior varsity squad, he's now got the reins to the varsity Bulldogs. He's a better passer than last year's starter Brendan Gray, but the triple-option offense is something Beard won't learn overnight. Either way, Harlem fans are in for a treat watching Beard's speed and arm help out on the football field.

Player to watch: Senior Mike Leverett will start at linebacker and tight end this year. His size (6-1, 205) isn't ideal for a college tight end, so scouts will watch him on defense this season. Several college coaches already have their eyes on the strong and speedy senior.

Strength: Leverett and senior Trey Crain are the backbone of the team, and both players will start at linebacker. It's hard to find two harder hitters in the county.

Weakness: The depth problems at Harlem are flat out scary. Lewis lost 18 seniors from last year's squad. The future looks bright with plenty of freshmen on the team this year, but it'll take a while before Lewis can rebuild this team from scratch.