Doddridge County football looking for faster start in 2024 following first-round playoff exit

WEST UNION, W.Va. (WBOY) — When you hear the boys barkin’ at Cline Stansberry Stadium in Doddridge County, that can only mean one thing: the Bulldogs are back in business.

“They’re hungry to do a little better,” Head Coach Bobby Burnside said. “They had good offseasons, and we had a real good June, worked real hard, did some install, did some conditioning, did some lifting. Just a real good June, and we’ve got good numbers and good attitudes.”

“I think we’re excited, you know, as a group,” Krystian Eidel said. “This is a new year, and I think this is a stronger year than last year.”

“We’re very excited to get underway, excited for our first game,” added Aiden James. “We put in a lot of work on the offseason. Yeah, we’re excited for this team.”

The 2023 campaign was a bit of a roller coaster ride for the Bulldogs. After dropping the first two games of the season, Doddridge County went on a six-game winning streak, allowing just 17 points during that stretch. The Bulldogs then lost their final two contests before falling to Williamstown in the playoffs.

This season, Head Coach Bobby Burnside is emphasizing that he wants his group to be ready from the first snap.

“We need to be ready to go sooner,” said Burnside. “It took a few weeks to gain some experience, and we need to come out of the gate with our best effort, and not make so many mistakes.”

And for the seniors, they’ll get one more year under the Friday night lights, and those are moments that they’re looking forward to.

“It’s kinda sad, but I mean just taking a look, I’m excited for as usual the past few years, the stands are always packed, and it makes me excited for this season,” said Eidel.

“I’m sad a little bit, cause it’s my final year, but all four years has been great here, and I want this to be the greatest,” senior Talyn Snyder said.

The Bulldogs will begin their 2024 campaign against St. Marys on Aug. 30.

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