Empire Bulldogs Relying on New Faces

The Empire Bulldogs had a frustrating season last year, featuring three losses that could easily have swung the other way. Hoping to improve on a 3-7 record will be a team with few returning starters.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:13 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Sep 1, 2009 4:41 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

EMPIRE, Oklahoma – The Empire Bulldogs finished 3-7 last season, but three of their losses were by less than 14 points. Hoping to turn those near-misses into wins will be a lineup largely full of new starters.

The Empire offense will look totally different this year, with changes at all of the skill positions. Senior Justin Goldsberry will take over at running back, while senior Tyler Linney will be the Bulldogs’ new No. 1 receiver.

The defense will undergo similar personnel changes, and will need to see improvement after giving up more than 31 points per game last season. The Bulldogs will have ideal size on the defensive line, led by senior Josh Robinson and junior Jacob Hall, both of whom weigh more than 270 pounds.

Empire’s season will begin Sept. 4 against the Oklahoma Centennial Bison, who defeated the Bulldogs 44-21 in last season’s opener.