Extra Point Previews: Kinston Bulldogs

KINSTON, Ala ( WDHN ) — With the kickoff of high school football in the Wiregrass just under a month away, it’s time to get our team previews underway. We start with Rudy Free and the Kinston Bulldogs in 1A.

Last season was a tough one for the Bulldogs, who went 2-8 and were outscored by 140 points. However, an influx of players this year brings hope for improvement.

“I think the big thing is we’re going to have more numbers,” said coach Free. “The kids have been really working hard all summer. This past week, we had about 45 kids in there, and that’s all our athletes, but that’s pretty good for us right now. They’ve really worked hard, had a great attitude, and it’s probably been one of the best summers since I’ve been here, and it’s my sixth year.”

Among the returning talent, quarterback Brant McCollough, who gained fame as an American Idol contestant during the off-season, is eager to focus solely on football.

“He doesn’t really know he’s a superstar, really,” Coach Free commented.

The Bulldogs also have All-State runner-up Colby Tew at running back. This dynamic duo in the backfield will be supported by three senior offensive linemen. On defense, Drew Branch and Jacob Hughes will set the tone in the trenches.

With a tough season ahead, much will depend on the work these players put in.

“The last couple of years, we’ve really had to work in the summer to get in condition because we don’t have a bunch of guys,” said coach Free. “We open up with Zion Chapel, and that’s going to be a big rival game. They’re getting better every year with Coach Keene, so the big thing is to get in shape. We have a 10-game schedule, and there are five or six really tough teams in our region. It’s going to be a grind all season.”

The Kinston Bulldogs begins August 23rd, when they had to Jack for a date with the Rebels.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.