VALLIANT BULLDOGS
Coach – COLBY SHAMLEY
OFFENSE
The Bulldogs will pin a lot of their hopes in 2021 on rangy quarterback Case Carlisle (6-5, 200, Jr.). Valliant played eight games in the Covid-ridden 2020 season including a first-round playoff game but Carlisle wasn’t around for most of those. “Case is coming off an injury suffered in the third game of the season last year and was on pace to have breakout year,” said second-year coach Colby Shamley. “He is one of the leaders on the team and we expect big things from him this year.” Before the injury, Carlisle threw for four touchdowns and 450 yards just to prove Shamley’s point. He is one of six returning starters in Shamley’s run-first, multiple-set offense. One of the recipients of Carlisle’s passes will be wide receiver Jay Frost (5-8, 160, Jr.) who led the squad in special teams touchdowns last season while on the line are returning starters Cole Burgess (6-1, 285, Sr.) and Jalin Carney (6-0, 270, Sr.) who has started at the center spot since his sophomore year.
DEFENSE
There are four starters back on the defensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs led by Carlisle at the free safety spot along with Miles Jordan (6-1, 245, Jr.) at defensive end and Landon Lowerence (5-11, 190, Jr.) heading up the linebacker corps. Shamley favors an attacking 3-4 defense that looks to improve on their 27 point per game average given up last year. And with a complete spring and summer camp and workout schedule back on track this year, Shamley is optimistic. “We had a of kids who got a lot of playing time last year including the playoff game. The kids have been working hard this off-season in preparation for the upcoming season.” Six games in front of the home folks should help boost this young team’s confidence as well.
SCHEDULE
9-3 – vs. Roland
9-10 – vs. Heavener
9-17 – at Coalgate
9-24 – vs. Idabel
10-1 – vs. Hartshorne
10-8 – at Antlers
10-14 – at Hugo
10-22 – vs. Atoka
10-29 – vs. Eufaula
11-5 – at Wilburton