In 2012, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs ended the season 6-4. Missing the playoffs by one game. Fast-forward to a revamped spring and summer training session and motivated players, brings us to a 5-1 2013 mid season record for the Bulldogs sitting in the thick of the district race.
The Bulldogs are confident as ever. Wins this year vs. Wesley Chapel, Gulf, Mitchell, Weeki Wachee and recently, Nature Coast. Their only loss came to the hands of district leader South Sumter 15-38. To date, in the 5 wins, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 173-58. That’s a 115 point spread when the Dogs are winning.
Zephyrhills is tied with Hernando with a 2-1 district record, sitting in second place behind South Sumter. Zephyrhills plays Central at the end of the week, which is winless on the season and then will host Hernando for rights to #2 in the district.
Zephyrhills junior ATH, Jaylen Pickett says the team confidence is at an all time high, credit to the offense, “Our confidence level is really high, and we are starting to finally click on offense.” Though the defense has been playing extremely well, allowing just 16 points per game, Pickett says, “We need to improve on our open field tackling” to beat Hernando and lock up a district playoff spot.
Last week, Pickett rushed for a team high 180 yards versus Nature Coast. Even though, he has been playing great all season, highlighted by last week’s performance, Jaylen says Reggie Roberts (teammate) has really stepped up big and surprised him with his play this year, “I would say Reggie Roberts Jr. He has really stepped up at DB on our team. “
“My footwork has gotten a lot better this season, which helps on both sides of the ball,” said Pickett. A solid two-way player for the orange and black, he is starting to get some interest mail from various schools. Able to play a number of different positions will make him more valuable in the recruiting process to come. Until then, he and his Dogs are focused on Central and want to beat Hernando to earn a post-season birth in 2013. Can the Zephyrhills Bulldogs stay the course to the “Playoff Promise Land?”