(McAllen, Texas)-Head Football Coach, Patrick Shelby is looking forward to the 2023 season with plenty of confidence too. And why not? The Dawgs did the unprobable last season by surprising their opponents with a three-way tie for a third place finish in District 15-5A DI and making their way to the UIL State 5A DI Regional Championship game against Corpus Christi Veterans. The Eagles ended the Bulldogs banner season with a 49-14 loss at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thanksgiving week. “I’m excited for this team and we have been working harder,” says Shelby.
Returning 33 lettermen with six players back on offense and nine starters on defense. At quarterback, Joaquin Valdez will be under center after Shelby made the decison to start a sophomore in 2022. The move paid off too. Valdez ended his season with 2,112 pasing yards with 24 TDs. His only blemish were his eleven interceptions. Let’s call those the jitters. In the backfield, Jayden Herrera emerged as biggest surprise by rushing for 761 yards and 10 TDs along with Obed Alvarez rushing for another 350 yards on the ground. Obed also caught 51 passes for another 564 yards. Look for sparks from WR Nick Karam. On defense, the Bulldogs will be tough to stop with returning starters LB Oliver Schwarz, LB Nathan Rocha (6’0 185lbs), LB Andres Barrera, DE Heriberto Baleras (6’2 255lbs), DB Will Hawk, and DT Salomon Arroyo. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)