New Leadership, New Era: Hylton Bulldogs Gear Up for the Season

00:00:00-Intro 00:06:40-Hylton 00:16:28-Colgan 00:24:44-Gar-Field 00:32:43-Woodbridge 00:39:40-Potomac 00:45:57-Forest Park 00:53:51-Freedom 01:02:47-Future Picks

• 8/29 vs Battlefield, 7:00pm

• 9/6 @ Osbourn Park, 7:00pm

• 9/13 vs Osbourn, 7:00pm

• 9/20 @ Unity Reed, 7:00pm

• 9/27 vs Woodbridge*, 7:00pm

• 10/4 @ Potomac Senior*, 7:00pm

• 10/18 @ Charles J. Colgan*, 7:00pm

• 10/25 vs Gar-Field*, 7:00pm

• 10/31 vs Freedom*, 7:00pm

• 11/8 @ Forest Park*, 7:00pm

The Hylton Bulldogs, who are entering a new era under the leadership of Head Coach Jared VanAcker. VanAcker, in his first year with Hylton, brings a wealth of experience from his successful stints at Woodson and Battlefield, where he led both teams to the playoffs and got to a region championship game appearance with Woodson.

VanAcker's arrival has injected a fresh energy into the Bulldogs’ program, one that has seen limited success over the past four seasons. His primary focus has been on rejuvenating the team, increasing participation numbers, and instilling a robust strength and conditioning program. Since his hiring in late February, the Bulldogs have been hard at work, participating in 7-on-7 passing leagues and intensive spring football workouts.

Offensively, the Bulldogs are poised to be dynamic. Logan Marshall stands out as the pivotal playmaker at running back. With a young and inexperienced quarterback corps, Marshall's ability to shoulder the load and take the pressure off will be crucial. Complementing him is an array of skill players, including the lightning-fast Zavier Baker, whom VanAcker describes as the fastest player he's ever coached. This speed and agility will enhance the Bulldogs' multiple spread offense and formidable single wing attack, creating a balanced and explosive unit.

The offensive line, though young, is hardworking and capable of opening up lanes for the running game. However, depth remains a concern, as many players will need to play both ways due to limited participation numbers. VanAcker emphasizes the importance of staying injury-free over a grueling 10-plus week season, noting that conditioning and resilience will be key.

On the defensive side, the Bulldogs boast a blend of experience and emerging talent. Elijah Speakes, a high-motor transfer, is set to disrupt offenses from the front, while Malik Muhammad, a lanky and relentless outside linebacker, will cause problems off the edge. In the secondary, Logan Marshall will play the role of a ballhawk, supported by the return of three out of four starters. Antonio Pride, the shutdown corner who had an impressive freshman year cut short by injury, is back to full strength and ready to make an impact.

As the Bulldogs gear up for the fall, the sky's the limit for this team. VanAcker's confidence in his players and his vision for the program's future shine through. "We have some weapons on our offense and if we perform like I know we can, we might turn some heads and change the direction of our football program," he says. The Hylton Bulldogs are ready to embrace the challenges ahead, with hopes of making significant strides and revitalizing their football tradition.

Key Players:

• Logan Marshall

• Zavier Baker

• Elijah Speakes

• Malik Muhammad

• Antonio Pride