Running the 'Dogs

If the Whitefish Bulldogs football team had accumulated any dust over the summer, the season's first two-a-day practice surely washed it off.

The 'Dogs hit the practice field on Friday to kick off the season, and head coach Patrick Dryden was pleased with what he saw through the falling rain — yet he emphasized it was too early to set any long-term goals for the team.

"Right now, we're stressing on getting through the two-a-days," he said. "Those can be a real grind."

The team started the morning practice with an intense stretching session before turning to conditioning drills. Players worked laterally across the field in a line doing chest leans, high kicks and tapioca footwork.

After breaking up into groups for position-focused drills, players ran individual 40-yard sprints — many coming in under five seconds.

Dryden said the Bulldog's speed this year is going to put a lot of pressure on opposing teams' defense.

"Willie Roche is a great track athlete," he said. "He is going to give us good speed at wide receiver."

He said seniors Kalin Hale at wide receiver and Nick O'Dell at nose tackle provide 'very solid" quickness at their positions, too.

Fourteen seniors are returning for the Bulldogs, and Dryden said their work in the gym during the off-season has paid dividends.

"We've got a good group of seniors returning," he said. "A lot of those guys have been dedicated in the weight room all summer. I'm really pleased with their commitment."

Dryden said the team's obvious strength is going to be the running game, with three starters in the backfield returning for this season — including Northwestern A All-Conference second team selection Derek Crittenden at fullback.

"The whole backfield is back from last year," he said. "That is good news."

At quarterback, Mac Roche looks to be in good form going into his junior year. Last season, Roche split time at the helm with Alex Elespuru.

The experience he gained in 2008 — including a win against Bigfork in which he tossed for 192 yards — should contribute to his presence in the huddle this season.

Dryden also pointed to center Jacob Washer and scout-team player of the year Orrin Dugan as players to keep an eye on.

Forty students showed up for Friday's practice — about 10 more than the coaches expected. A handful of transfers from Washington, Florida and Kalispell could make some noise in the lineup, too, which will help beef up the team's depth.

The 'Dogs first game of the season will be against Havre and is expected to be an indication of how far the team has progressed from Friday's opening practice.

"It's great to start against Havre every year," Dryden said. "They are a solid program and will give us a good test."

The home game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m.