The Nederland Bulldogs have had a rough opening three weeks to their 2019 season, but things could be looking brighter with their district season beginning this Friday night. Monte Barrow's crew opens up with a trip to Santa Fe where the Indians will be looking to improve on their 1-2 record.
"We are a confident group who are looking forward to Friday night," said Barrow. "Santa Fe is a solid team, but we know what we need to do to get the job done, it's going to be a good game."
The Bulldogs have plenty of firepower with junior running back Josh Mazyck leading the district in rushing at 290 yards over three games. Sophomore wide receiver Kyndon Fuselier is second in receptions (20) and yardage (303 yards) while senior quarterback Bryce McMorris is third in passing yards at 498.
"On offense we have Josh (Mazyck) who has really stepped in for Kade Scott who hurt his hand in our second game, we'll be fine once he returns. We expect him back possibly this week."
Defensively, Nederland is looking to find their groove after giving up 35 points to a speedy Beaumont United crew in game two and 43 points to Silsbee, a perennial 4A power, a week later.
"We're not going to change too much on defense," said Barrow. "We have some things we have to work on but we're looking to continually get better as the season goes on. It all starts over this Friday."
Nederland currently ranks fifth in District 12-5A in team defense allowing 373 yards a game.
The Bulldogs will be looking for their second straight victory over Santa Fe after last season's 21-0 shutout.