On the first day of practice, the usual fitness test was conducted. For the seniors, Brandon Wensman came out on top with Jim Mages and Chris Dombrovski following close behind. Bill Stanger led the juniors, while Kurt Habben was the leader for the sophomores and Zach Spates was the freshman leader.
The first three days consisted mostly of conditioning and some drills, since the players did not wear pads. The last two days of the first week were light hitting practices just to get used to the hitting.
Once the second week started intrasquad scrimmages were held so that the players could ready themselves for the season by reacquainting themselves with the offensive scheme.
At the end of the second full week the Bulldogs will scrimmage in Watertown. Other teams also competing are: Belle Plaine and Atwater.
The Bulldogs, coached by Virg Vagle, hope to keep the trend going this year from the past two years. Two years ago the Bulldogs had a record of 6-4. They saw it improve slightly the next year as last year’s squad posted a 7-3 record. With some work and a lot of team chemistry, the Bulldogs could improve last year’s record. Getting off to a good start and freedom from injuries will help enormously in improving the record.
The Bulldogs’ schedule is similar to last year’s. Eden Valley and Rush City are gone from the schedule, but two new teams, St. Michael-Albertville and Wadena-Deer Creek, have been added.
The Bulldogs' first game is Aug. 29 at St. Michael-Albertville. Homecoming is Oct 4 against Sauk Centre. Other teams Paynesville will compete against are: Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Litchfield, Melrose, Albany, Sauk Centre and St Cloud Cathedral.
The Bulldog coaching staff hasn't changed from last year. Vagle is the head coach and Kyle Nehowig is his assistant. Nehowig also coaches Junior Varsity along with Terry White. Ron Fuchs is the freshman coach.
Although the team lost six seniors to graduation, the Bulldogs are still optimistic. They have ten seniors on this year's squad who can hopefully lead the team to a successful season.
All the players encourage many fans to attend the varsity games. The season could be very exciting.
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