Bulldogs continuing through rebuilding phase this season

By Lethbridge Herald on September 13, 2023.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward The Winston Churchill High School Bulldogs football team go for a run during practice last week.

The Winston Churchill Bulldogs varsity football team kick off their season tomorrow with the focus of continuing to work through a rebuild phase.

“Yeah, I think we’ve been a little bit of a rebuild for a few years now and it’s going to continue a bit this year ,”said Bulldogs head coach Jonathan Dick.

“We’ve got a pretty young squad. Only about 12 guys returning from last year’s team. So a lot of basic skill stuff, getting guys up to speed, making sure that they know what they’re doing in their positions and yeah just getting everybody ready for that first game.”

Dick wants to see the team work towards building on some of the successes they had last year to help get out of the rebuild.

“We had a couple of wins over a couple of different teams last year that were non-league teams ,” said Dick.

“We ended up beating Olds and Brooks last year. So just building on that, getting the boys some confidence and letting them realize that they actually can win games if they put the work in. So, really focusing on making sure that they put work in and don’t take plays off. When we’re (out) on field, we’re running around, we’re hustling  and we’re working as hard as we can.”

The Bulldogs have some size throughout the team this season and something Dick believes will help with their success.

“We’ve got a lot of promising young guys that are in Grade 10 this year,” said Dick.

“So the future looks good. And ,yeah, just kind of capitalize on our size and try to pound the ball down the field when we can and  (the) passing game we’ll continue to work on and hopefully it’ll come around. But right now, just focus on kind of what we’re better at and that’s our size and our speed in the inside.”

Dick thinks the defence looks strong.

“We haven’t had a ton of time to practice a lot of defence because we’re trying to get the timing and everything down with the offence, and the new guys and everything like that,” he said.

“But considering how much time we’ve spent on defence; they’ve looked  pretty strong. We got a good group of line backers. Guys that are returning and have some experience and a good nose for the ball. So I think the defence will be well-rounded.”

The offence has some work to do.

“But we have faith with the size we have and the guys in skilled positions that we have,” said Dick.

“ I think they’ll come around after they get a little bit of game experience.”

The team always hopes to make some plays on special teams.

A player to look out for is Olivier Koribikomeye.

“He’s got breakaway speed, a good nose for the ball on defence, (and) good cover guy,” said Dick.

“So just kind of a well-rounded player and just a great guy to coach.”

Young player Isaac Morrison is another one.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at defensive end and  at slot receiver as well,” he said.

Nick Theran returns after taking a year off last season.

“So we’re happy to have him back this year in Grade 12,” said Dick.

“He’s an outstanding linebacker (and) had some success in his Grade 10 year. So we’re looking to see how he’s improved since then and build on that.”

Offensive line Jakob Soldir thinks the team is prepared.

“Yeah, no, we’re doing a lot of one-on-ones, teaching these guys how to use their hands on the O-line especially and the D-Line,” said Jakob Soldir

“But more importantly that footwork and getting in the gym (and) how important that is with being an offensive linemen or a defensive linemen. Those are your big guys of the team. You’ve got to work, right.”

The Bulldogs clash with Cardston on the road tomorrow at 7 p.m. to open both of the season.