Tioga Bulldogs are ready to get back to the standard
TIOGA, Texas (KTEN) - In 2025, the Tioga Bulldogs tied for first in district play but were plagued by injuries, causing a first-round playoff exit to the eventual state champs, Hamilton. But don’t fear; the dogs are ready to bark back.
“These guys know what to do. It’s how we do it that’s going to separate us. I think, you know, this is the group can do it.”
It’s Zach Birdwell’s fourth year leading the T and his first senior class to come all the way through his system. And after falling short of the brand’s expectations these last couple of years, things are personal for the Bulldogs in 2026.
“Regardless of the adversity we faced last year, we didn’t do what we came here to do. That’s been a chip on our shoulder the whole offseason, so to be able to get out here and kind of get back in the swing of things and be able to be that much closer to week one, where our guys can right some wrongs this season. We’re excited.”
Last season, Tioga had to roll receiver Greeley McAdan at quarterback and still averaged 42 points a game, but now their gunslinger Cole Boyd returns as QB1, ready to explode in Birdwell’s offense with untapped potential.
“You know, we really don’t know. The kid has had a ton of bad luck. He’s done everything possible to set himself up to have an unbelievable senior year. He’s surrounded by an offensive line that has a lot of experience, surrounded by a ton of weapons and by a defense that is looking to play our brand of football; the sky is the limit for his senior year.”
“With Cole Boyd playing quarterback, the offense should definitely elevate; he can place balls that I don’t think anyone else in 2A can place.”
The defense will also have a new look, with defensive coordinator Steven Stadler taking over. And with plenty of speed on that side of the ball, the Bulldogs expect to make life difficult for opposing offenses.
“It’s going to be a lot better because we are going to be loading that box, so if anyone tries to run on us, it’s over. And we got the DBs, and we are fast enough, so nobody is going to beat us over the top. The defense should be lockdown.”
Tioga has their hands full with new district realignment, bringing in three new faces, including the Munster Hornets, but Birdwell and his boys know this what they needed.
“You got a back-to-back state champs. You got a team that we got to keep in Alvord, that beat us last year. We’re looking forward to a really good district, ultimately a district that prepares us for what we’re here for, and that’s playoff wins and playoff runs.”
Originally published on kten.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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