DECATUR -- Ryan Woolard is looking forward to the opportunity he has in Decatur.
Woolard, 33, was hired in July as the Bulldogs' new football coach after Shane Holland resigned at the end of the school year.
Woolard comes to Decatur after coaching seven years as an assistant at his alma mater, McDonald County (Mo.) High School.
"I've been a Mustang my entire life, but I'm excited to get out and be a Bulldog," said Woolard, a Missouri Southern State graduate.
After winning six games in 2012, the Bulldogs have only won seven total over the last four seasons combined, including a 1-8 mark last season. The Bulldogs' only victory came in Week 8 against Western Yell County 28-14 in a 2A-4 Conference game.
"I know it hasn't been real great," Woolard said. "I want to have the opportunity to try to build the program. I interviewed with the superintendent, Mr. (Jeff) Gravette, and he made me feel at home. So did Mr. Conrad and Coach Unger. I'm just a country kid from McDonald County. These are country kids. I thought that would be a good fit for me and for them."
Decatur is once again fighting the same battle it's always fought when it comes to varsity football -- numbers.
The Bulldogs had a small group of kids attending practices before school started on Aug. 14. On the first day of school, they had around 18, but only 14 showed up for picture day on Aug. 15, which caused a re-evaluation of whether or not the school should field a team in 2017.
By the end of the day, Decatur football was a go for the 2017 season.
Woolard said his goal is to eventually get around 22 kids playing football.
"Coach Unger said 22 is about the most they've had in several years," Woolard said. "We're trying to get to that number this year and each year go from there.
"The kids that we do have out are doing great, showing up on time and working hard," Woolard said. "It's been a challenge, but I think the pieces are starting to line together."
Offensively, Decatur will operate out of the I-formation with bits of shotgun and pistol sprinkled in from time to time.
"I like to mix it up a little bit," Woolard said. "We have team speed. That's our biggest asset. We're going to try to get the ball to the playmakers and let them run."
Sophomore Joseph Armstrong will take the controls at quarterback for the Bulldogs.
"Playing quarterback has kind of been a new thing for him," Woolard said. "He's a smart kid, real athletic kid. I think he'll be able to take the reins and grow from where he's been."
Senior Alex Lee will be the backup quarterback, and he'll also start at running back for the Bulldogs.
"He's definitely one of our leaders on the team," Woolard said. "He's one of the best young players I've ever coached at far as work ethic and attitude and doing whatever's asked of him. He's a great kid."
Seniors Johnny Brandon and Dylan Wells will also line up with Lee in the backfield at running back for the Bulldogs.
"They're kind of by committee there a little bit. One will be fullback and the other two at H-back," Woolard said.
Senior Taylor Haisman returns at wide receiver for the Bulldogs. He caught 11 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown last year and is a state champion in track and field.
"He's a really fast kid," Woolard said. "We're going to try to get the ball to him."
Sophomore Sam Philpott and junior Austin Hamilton will also play some wide receiver. Sophomore Seth Rich also contributes at wide receiver.
"Seth has great hands," Woolard said. "I think he might have the best hands on the team. He's only a sophomore so he's learning, but he's a great kid who works hard. I expect good things from him."
Junior Cayden Bingham and Wells will line up some at tight end, which can also split out wide as a receiver.
On the offensive line, the Perez brothers, senior Sebastian Perez and sophomore Javier Perez, will man guard positions.
Junior Andy Thao can play center and tackle, while junior Takota Parsons also can play center and tackle. Sophomore Tony Trejo also helps on the offensive line.
The same contributors on the offensive line will be key on the Bulldogs' defense, which will be coordinated by assistant coach Sheldon McKinzie.
"I'm excited to have Sheldon on staff," Woolard said. "He's been very helpful with everything. He's a great coach to have. I'm glad we got him on board."
The Bulldogs will be in a three-man front defensively.
Javier Perez will play nose guard, while Thao and Sebastian Perez can play defensive end and linebacker.
Wells can play defensive end or linebacker, while Parsons and Trejo can play on the defensive line.
"We're going to rotate in and out there," Woolard said. "I prefer a four-man front, but because of numbers we're doing the best we can to save some energy."
Lee will man the Bulldogs' MIKE linebacker position, while Bingham and Sebastian Perez also play inside linebacker.
Brandon is also an option at inside and outside linebacker.
Haisman and Philpott will man the corners along with Hamilton and Rich, while Armstrong plays the free safety.
The Bulldogs were picked to finish eighth in the 2A-4 Conference by the league coaches. Danville was picked to win the league, followed by Hackett, Lavaca, Mountainburg, Magazine, Johnson County Westside and Western Yell County.
Sports on 08/23/2017