Bulldogs

Hampton Bulldogs Anything is possible...

Bulldogs shooting for a return trip to state championship in 2022

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Hampton Bulldog football program got a taste of what it’s like to make it to the state championship round last season when they advanced to the 2021 Class 2-A Blue Cross Championship in Chattanooga against a talented Westview team that featured Alabama quarterback commit Ty Simpson.

Hampton brought home the Runner-up trophy which was nice to see setting in the trophy case at the school but left players feeling like they left unfinished business on the turf at UT-Chattanooga’s field.

With some players now graduated, Hampton head coach Michael Lunsford feels that experience has left the door open for the 2022 team to continue striving forward for another shot at the gold ball.

“It let the kids know that it’s feasible and possible,” said Lunsford. “They know that it’s not out of reach and if they are here and working it’s not out of reach for us.”

Notable difference in this year to last

Every team has an identity that sets them apart from the previous season and this year the Bulldogs will be fielding a team that according to Lunsford has outside quickness and a lack of depth on the line.

“I feel like we have a little more speed on the outside,” said Lunsford. “I don’t know if we have as many strong boys on the front line as we have in the past. We have a good group in there but we just don’t have the depth that we had last year so we are going to have to do things a little bit differently offensively just as far as spreading the ball around to a few more people.”

Strengths for 2022

When analyzing the strengths of this year’s team, Lunsford pointed to the diverse amount of

Bulldog Standouts

Geno Carrico Levi Lunsford

HEAD COACH: Michael Lunsford COACHING STAFF: Mike Lunsford, Jacob Jones, Ora Hyder, Nick Johnson, Brad Kelley, Gary Keith, Jake Jenkins and James Cable

Michael Lunsford Chance Point

Austin Bentley Quarterback Focus

Favorite quarterback

I have always looked up to Peyton Manning. He has always sort of been my role model. I just loved everything that he did. I just try to be more like him.

First touchdown thrown

Lord it has been years ago. In high school my favorite touchdown pass was last year when I threw to Conor (Jones) in the back of the end zone on a trick play. It was probably my favorite.

Toughest defensive opponent to face this year

Daniel Boone has always been a challenge going up there especially. South Greene’s defense is always tough to go against. Pigeon Forge is a little different as they play a cover two with two high safety’s that I will have to fit it in between.

Goals for the season

Get back to the state championship and win it. I want to lead my team the best that I can and do whatever I can for my team.

What to improve on

Being more consistent.

Dylan Trivett

Hampton Bulldogs

weapons that he has to use at his disposal offensively.

How and when those weapons are used will keep Bulldog Nation on the edge of their seats from the opening kickoff to the final horn sounds.

“Our biggest strength I think is our weapons,” Lunsford said. “On the outside we have a lot of players that have played a lot of minutes and have quite a bit of experience out there. Dylan (Trivett) our quarterback has had a lot of reps the last couple of years even with Conor (Jones) in there. He is seasoned a little more than a first year quarterback would be. Chance (Point) is a very good weapon on the outside. I just feel like we have the opportunity to get the ball to different kids.

The biggest challenge

As most coaches will tell you, the biggest challenge that rears its head entering a season begins with ensuring there are enough players ready to take on key backup rolls as the injuring bug will hit at the most inopportune time.

It’s no different for Lunsford who for the first time in a few years is facing depth issues on the front lines.

“Building depth is key for us,” said Lunsford. “We have several key guys in there and we have some young guys but its just that we need to build more depth. We never go under five linemen during football season.

Key players to watch

For the last four years, Conor Jones and Morgan Lyons have had the spotlight shining on them for the blue and white, but this season fans will have to purchase a program to keep up with the changes as several players beside Trivett will be taking the field and are sure to provide their own highlight reels.

“Levi Lunsford has run the football for three years for us now,” Lunsford said. “He has had to split a lot more time but will be the lead back this year. Chance Point and Austin Bentley are going to be great kids as Bentley has been a three-year starter. He will play fullback, offensive and defensive line and will play a lot of different positions.

“Geno Carrico is a kid who is doing a lot of different things and doesn’t get a lot of recognition because of the positions he plays. He is going to be a key player for us. Dominque Burleson is going to be a sophomore this year but plays bigger than a sophomore and we expect a lot more out of him.

Key opponents

The Hampton head coach said some things never change as the same three teams that have been the thorn in the Bulldogs flesh for the past few years will continue to do so in 2022 in South Greene, Happy Valley, and Cloudland.

“South Greene because they have had us the last two years and you don’t win the conference without beating them and Happy Valley,” said Lunsford. “Cloudland did a lot of great things last year going to the fourth round of the playoffs and that’s a good team and a huge rivalry for us.”

Bulldog 2021 Results

Date Opponent Result

Fri Aug. 20 7:30 PM #9 Pigeon Forge W 20-14 Fri Sep. 3 7:00 PM Avery County (NC) W 54-26 Fri Sep. 10 7:30 PM at #6 Cloudland W 33-0 Fri Sep. 17 7:00 PM at Happy Valley R W 48-0 Fri Oct. 1 7:30 PM #14 South Greene R L 22-28 Fri Oct. 15 7:30 PM at Cumberland Gap R W 42-0 Thu Oct. 21 7:30 PM #17 Unaka W 51-14 Fri Oct. 29 7:00 PM at #17 Daniel Boone L 14-27 Fri Nov. 5 7:00 PM #22 Monterey Class 2A State Playoffs First Round W 21-0 Fri Nov. 12 7:00 PM at #21 Rockwood Class 2A State Playoffs 2nd Round W 47-18 Fri Nov. 19 7:00 PM at #17 Oneida Class 2A State Quarterfinal W 30-7 Fri Nov. 26 7:00 PM #2 Trousdale County Class 2A State Semifinal W 22-20 Sat Dec. 4 3:00 PM #1 Westview N Class 2A State Championship at Finley Stadium, Chattanooga L 14-55 Overall Record: 10-3 Region Record: 2-1

No. NAME GRADE HT WT POSITION

#1 Johnathan Greenwell 12 6’0” 190 WR/LB #2 Peyton Townsend 9 5’5 130 RB/CB #3 J.J. McElyea 11 5’9 140 WR/CB #4 J.J.Cable 9 6’1 140 WR/FS #5 Geno Carrico 11 5’10 180 TE/LB #6 Cameron Hall 12 6’3 230 TE/DE #7 Conner Mckinney 9 5’9 140 QB/FS #9 Levi Lunsford 12 5’9 210 TB/LB/WR #10 Christian Brinkley 12 6’2 140 WR/S #11 Chance Point 11 6’1 160 WR/CB #12 Domnique Burleson 10 5’11 160 QB/WR #13 Maddux Wilson 9 5’10 160 TE/LB #15 Brody Hicks 12 5’10 175 WR/CB #16 Elijah Mckinney 11 5’10 150 WR/CB #18 Dylan Trivett 11 6’1 160 QB/FS/WR #20 Isaac Miller 11 5’10 140 WR/CB #21 Josh Sweeney 12 5’8 145 WR/CB #23 Grayson Young 11 5’11 210 FB/LB #25 Cain Barnett 9 5’10 130 WR/CB #32 Weston Hicks 9 6’1 175 TE/LB #33 Jayden Burleson 9 6’4 200 TE/DE #34 Marcus Mauk 10 5’7 160 WR/CB #39 Isaiah Belcher 9 5’5 160 WR/LB #48 Luke Belcher 12 5’9 200 TE/LB #52 Jamie Turbyfill 9 5’11 270 OT/DT #53 Austin Bentley 12 6’0 200 OG/DE #55 Jayden Kuhn 9 5’11 230 OT/DT #57 Mario Reyes 10 5’11 220 OG/DT #58 Thunder Fletcher 10 5’9 235 OGDT #59 Jonah Boling 11 5’11 210 OG/DE #64 Shayden Oliver 11 5’11 210 OG/DE/LB #65 Greg Tolley 11 5’11 240 OG/DE #67 Will Thorton 11 6’1 300 OT/DT #71 Adam Wenger 12 5’8 170 OG/DE #72 Devin Ward 12 6’0 250 G/DT #74 Simon Eller 11 6’2 315 OT/DT #77 Harlee Mann 9 5’11 270 OT/DT #78 Bryson Montgomery 10 5’9 300 OT/NT #82 Bryson Markland 11 6’1 160 WR/FS #84 Evan Mann 12 6’3 170 WR/DB Damien Norris 11 5’9 160 OLB/WR

Bulldog Cheerleaders

Front: Captains -- Shania Pierce, Marina Bailey, Cheyenne Fair Middle: Bailey Moss, Hannah Smith, Keagan Campbell, Anna Hatley, Raegan Ashley, Jessa Hampton, Briley Curtis Back: Lexi Taylor, Laken Johnson, Brooke Elliott, Briley Davis, Sydney Covington, Bella Fair, Emma Weir, Meleah Scalf