Class A Team

Alvord Bulldogs

By Scott Hiler

            Coming off of a successful 2004 season, the Alvord Bulldogs are looking to improve on their 7-3 (4-1 in district) regular season finish last year and earn another trip to the state playoffs.  Head Coach Mike Chaney has a solid core returning from last year’s squad, including seven defensive starters and four offensive starters. 

            The biggest loss to graduation from last year’s team would be at the running back position.  Seth Miller was explosive for the Bulldogs in 2004, capable of running around or over defensive opponents.  This year’s team will feature Thomas Berry as the starting running back.  Berry racked up close to 1,000 yards last year as Miller’s primary back-up/fullback and will look to improve on those numbers as the feature back in 2005. 

Also returning will be quarterback/defensive back Zac Hale, linebacker Brian Scharen and wide receiver/defensive back Terry Scharen.  All three received district honors last year.  Hale is a double threat in the offensive backfield with a good arm and a good set of wheels. 

Two tough pre-district games against 2A schools stand out on their schedule as telling games for the Bulldogs this year.  They will play host to an improved Chico squad on September 16^th and travel to Nocona to face the Indians the following week.  These two games will lead up to district play.

In 2004, the Windthorst Trojans were the major obstacle for the Bulldogs and proved to be too strong for Alvord on the last week of the regular season, handing them their only district loss during the final week of the regular season.  While Windthorst is not the only strong district opponent this year, the match-up should once again decide the district championship.  As long as both squads are able to get away with a victory over Tolar, Windthorst may be the place to be on November 4^th when the Bulldogs come to town.

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            Well, there you have it!  Special thanks to Paul Barnett, Trent Morrow, and Colby “the lovable, huggable Bear” Shawn for their contributions.  The Fever Guys are looking forward to a great season.  We’ll be making it to as many games as possible and we’ll get to see each of these teams live at least once during the season.  Holler at us if you see us at the games and be sure to keep up with us on the website at www.fridaynightfever.net.  We’ll have the same great coverage on the website that we did last year with game previews, summaries, and pictures.  One of the things that made last year so great was the involvement and participation of the Fever Reporters.  Our reports helped us by writing previews and summaries and calling us every Friday night to keep us up to date with what was happening with their school.  If you’re interested in helping us out as a Fever Reporter, please email us at fans@fridaynightfever.net.

            Now, I’d be in trouble if I didn’t include an update with the status of the radio show for 2005.  We are currently talking with KCUB about doing the show similar to the way that “People-to-People” is currently be aired.  KCUB is based in Stephenville and is owned by the same group that owned KBOC 98.3 FM in Bridgeport (our home last year).  It’s a long story with too many fine details to discuss here, but we would basically cover the same schools that we did last year (and possibly a few extra), we’d be on the same frequency (98.3 FM), and we’d have the same listening area that we did last year (Wise County and beyond).  At this point, it looks like we will definitely have the radio show and possibly a game of the week, with color and play-by-play by the Fever Guys.  We couldn’t be happier with this scenario and we’ll keep you all posted with the final details on the website (www.fridaynightfever.net).  While you’re on the site, visit the Fever Forums and talk some High School Football with us.  The Fever Guys look forward to seeing or hearing from you this season.

- Scott Hiler, Friday Night Fever Host