PUTTING LAST SEASON BEHIND THEM THERE IS A NEW "ATTITUDE" IN MINIDOKA/CASSIA COUNTY, IDAHO

TEAM SUMMARY:

Mike Manning takes the snap and drops back to pass..... as he looks off the safety to the left he feels pressure from that side and slides to the right..... finally setting and hitting newly acquired Trent Vest downfield for a 20-yard gain. But... it was only practice. The 2001 Mini-Cassia Bulldawgs expect, however, alot more of the same on the field in RMFL action this season. Recovering from a season mired in tragedy and key injuries, the Bulldawgs expect to return the promise that held so positive their first season in the league in 1998. Head coach, Fernando Vale says that although it is "pretty much the same team", he says that the real difference is in "team attitude". Vale, who has played wide receiver and tailback for the Bulldawgs the past three years, says that the team spirit is much more positive and the team is so much more unified. Long-time Bulldawg all-star wide receiver, Robert Carrick disagrees that the team is "about the same", he suggests there have been a number of new and key additions to the squad that will make them stronger. He does agree that the team attitude is much better. "After spending a year at the bottom, we are motivated to NOT be there any more", Carrick added. Both Vale and Carrick were high on new wide receiver addition, Trent Vest and believed he would be a great addition to the receiver corps of Carrick and tight end, Casey Neilson. Carrick also believed they had improved remarkably in the secondary. "Everytime I run a route out there, they are always close or there in coverage. They are good." It still remains to be seen if getting some key offensive stars back and solidifying their defense will be enough to get the Bulldawgs into the championship circle in 2001, but there is one thing for certain.... these bulldawgs won't go down easy to anyone.

Fernando Vale to make transition from player to coach in 2001

KEY ADDITIONS:

Trent Vest (free agent), Wide Receiver
Mike Manning, quarterback and Joe Chavez, quarterback (back from injury)

KEY LOSSES:

Jermiah Moore (unavailable), running back
Fernando Vale (injury-coaching), running back/wide receiver
Robert Carrick (injured-season), wide receiver
Ruben Saldana (injured-season), offensive line

Offensive Analysis: The Bulldawgs were poised to be perhaps the best offense in the RMFL. However, key injuries in the Mustang pre-season game to all-star wide receiver, Robert Carrick and big offensive lineman, Ruben Saldana will no doubt hurt. Mike Manning is back and looks as good as ever, certainly the best quarterback in the league, and if he goes down, Joe Chavez has proved he is no slouch either. The Bulldawgs will no doubt put up some points this season and not all of them will come through the air. The team is very high on tailback, Dusty Jenkins, and even though he was wholely uneffective in the Mustang game, the Mustangs have a great run-stopping defense and Jenkins will get some big plays off on many teams this year. Still the loss of Carrick will hurt the passing attack, which will still be the best passing attack in the league behind the leagues best quarterback and a solid offensive line keyed around center, Mike Mecham and the ever impressive, Glen Slaughter to protect hime. OFFENSIVE RANK: SECOND.

Mike Manning attempts to pass over Bulldawg d-line in twinight practice

Defensive Analysis: There is no doubt the Bulldawgs will have an excellent linebacking core. Anchored by middle backer, Mario Labra and flanked by talented, aggressive J.R. Hale and Casey Neilson, they will cause some problems. Defensive line is strong as well behind 300+ pounder, and former RMFL Defensive MVP, Chuck Jones and Roy Castillo. And I did hear Carrick say that their secondary is vastly improved... BUT.... This defense has always been rich in talent and sometimes poor in performance.... particularly in the second half of games. I would like to believe that the great "DJ GU" of the internet and guys like last years quarterback and this years secondary stallwart, Lonnie Edwards can make the difference, but.... Make no mistake. This defense will be very good... but in a league of excellent defenses. They will just have to prove they can perform for four quarters. DEFENSIVE RANK: SECOND.

Overall Analysis: Barring any more key injuries, the Bulldawgs will compete in every game and win most. They will still have to prove their running game and defense, however, their passing attack is probably the best in the league. This team will be the type that can come from behind. The only question is, will the defense be able to hold down teams long enough so that they can and can their running game burn enough clock to hold a lead. PROJECTION: THIRD.