2010 Preview: Dewey Bulldoggers

Originally Published: Aug 17, 2010 10:35 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

DEWEY, Oklahoma – The biggest surprise of the 2009 season came on the first Friday night of the playoffs. Itty bitty Dewey showed up with its stone and sling and slayed one of 3A’s biggest giants.

After beating the Metro Christian Patriots on the road in round one, the Bulldoggers rode a wave of momentum all the way to the state semifinals. They didn’t quite make it the gold ball game, but opened the eyes of teams all over the state.

“There’s a lot of pride,” senior running back Colby Ramsey said of wearing the name ‘Dewey’ across his chest. “We’ve got to make (this year) one to remember.”

The Dewey squad will be unproven in 2010. The Bulldoggers lost their starting quarterback, top wide receiver, talented defensive backs and crucial linemen from last season's semifinal squad. The players that remain are relatively inexperienced with raw, untapped skills.

The Bulldoggers seem to think that’s a good thing.

“Obviously we’re inexperienced, but it can help make us a team,” said new quarterback Trey Sloan.

The junior takes over for Clint Strate, who threw for over 1,500 yards a year ago. The under sized offensive lines will be in charge of keeping Sloan safe.

“We’re quick,” said senior offensive tackle Thatcher Dilbeck. "We’re not the biggest guys out there. So, our speed’s important to us.”

Dewey will rely on a lot of two-way players in 2010. That formula worked well for them a season ago. Defense was a bit of a wild card at times. The team shut down opponents early on, allowing just 12 points per game the first seven weeks of the season. The production dropped off the rest of the year, when teams scored nearly 28 points per game against them.

The players feel like all of last season’s experiences will help them going forward.

“It showed us how great it is to be there,” Sloan said about the postseason. “Coming that close was hard. I think it will help us.”

And the timing’s just right.

“Senior year, I’m trying to make it last as long as I can,” smiled Dilbeck.

TEAM SNAP SHOT
Dewey Bulldoggers

2009: 8-5/4-3 record, fourth in 3A-District 3.

PLAYOFFS: Lost to Berryhill in the semifinals of the 2009 postseason.

BEST PLAYER: Colby Ramsey. The senior running back has good size and will look to be more of a force this season. The team's quarterback, Clint Strate, led the Bulldoggers in rushing last season with 861 yards on the ground. Ramsey should carry the load all season for Dewey.

BIGGEST GAME: Week 10, November 5th at Cascia Hall. This could determine the Bulldoggers’ playoff fate. Cascia Hall should be cruising by that point. If Dewey is postseason bound again, it will be a good last test before the do-or-die stage.