The 2023 version of the Quitman Bulldog football team will be a blend of experienced players and a talented sophomore class. In Coach Shane Webber’s third year at the helm, the Bulldogs expect to be fighting for a playoff spot for the first time in a decade.

Webber’s Quitman teams have an 8-12 record since the Quitman grad took over. Quitman was 1-68 the prior seven years.

One of Webber’s first tasks was growing the number of football players.

This year over 60 young men have become a part of the program, 20 players more than a couple years ago. Quitman will have a full JV team as well as more on the varsity.

“We have a growing program and I am really proud that we have so many kids wanting to be a part of what we are doing at Quitman,” Webber said. “We did lose some great senior leadership from last year’s team and now there are others who will step up in those leadership roles.”

The Bulldogs will kick-off the season at home against New Diana, a team that defeated them 20-18 last year. The Bulldogs gained over 400 yards of offense to less than 100 yards for New Diana.

The Bulldogs start with veteran Kameron Crockett at quarterback. Last season Crockett had almost 600 rushing yards and some 500 passing yards.

Crockett’s back-up will be Klayton Meadows, who will see time running the football. The Bulldog running game will be boosted by the return of Landon Green who had 737 rushing yards with most of those in district. Crockett and Meadows will each see time on the defensive side of the ball, and Green will step in on linebacking chores. 

The talented sophomore is coming off a varsity first year where he started on defense and added 803 rushing yards along with over 300 passing yards.

Mikey Pickering is also returning to his running back position where he rumbled for 630 yards.

Senior basketball star Payton Sapp decided to play football in his final year at QHS. He last played sub-varsity at Mabank before coming to Bulldog nation. He plays defense and can be a quarterback if needed.

“Our kids coming back from last year have looked pretty good so far and some of the sophomores are learning quickly at the varsity level,” Webber said. “They are beginning to understand the small things you must do fundamentally to win ball games. Our job as coaches is to keep teaching those fundamentals.”

The offensive line will be anchored from the center position with senior Michael Hipp back for another campaign. Austin Jones and Austin Tanner will also be important cogs in the trenches, and sophomore Freddy Payne is expected to see a lot of action as a guard.

Other linemen will be Charlie Matthews and Jace Peek.

The Bulldog offense plans to hold onto the football with extended long drives.

“We might even pass a little more, but we depend on the four to five yards at a time and we will wear opponent’s defense down,” Webber commented. “We are expecting a lot from our sophomores. They are very competitive and they hate to lose. There is a lot of energy with that group.”

The receiving crew will be bolstered with the talents of senior wide-receiver Carter Smith who has shown he can excel if given the opportunity.

“We have to control the ball on offense with no penalties and no turnovers. We have to be happy with our four and five yards at a time. The long drives will also wear the defense down and help us control the clock,” Webber stated. “And we must stay away from injuries.”

Once again playoff experienced West Rusk is the District 9-3A-DII favorite.

Troup has eight players returning on both sides of the ball and will be tough. Grand Saline, Arp, Winona and Edgewood will battle the Bulldogs for a coveted playoff spot.

The Bulldog goal is simple; make the playoffs.