The Bulldog Football Report

The Bulldog Football Report
Volume 1, Issue 2
September 9, 2015

In this edition of The Bulldog Football Report we will:

• Break down the High Point Christian game with Coach Stephen Cochran and look ahead to the upcoming game against Spring Creek.
• Spend some time with Head Cheer Coach Gayle Barger.

High Point Christian Game Review

If High Point Christian QB DeShaun Taylor was still feeling any effects from the hard hit he took against Ravenscroft the week before, it didn’t show as he completed 12 of 30 passes for 268 yards, including two touchdowns. Taylor also had an 8 yard TD run.

In addition to Taylor, WCA Coach Stephen Cochran also mentioned the names Austin Hendley and Dre Davis before the game as players the Bulldogs would need to keep an eye on and they showed why.

Davis caught five passes for 160 yards and two TDs. Hendley did everything except work the concession stand. In addition to an 18 yard TD run to open High Point’s scoring, Hendley kicked all five Cougar PATs and recorded seven tackles on the defensive side of the ball. The Cougar defense also picked up thirteen tackles from Copeland Petitfils and eight from Timmy Fischvogt.

WCA found themselves in a 14-0 hole before Nathaniel Williams connected with Connor Collins on a 39 yard TD pass in the second quarter. Also in the second, Williams hit John Kirkpatrick on a 62 yard TD pass. Despite this explosive offensive play, the Bulldogs went into the locker room at the half trailing 28-12.

The Bulldogs were unable to add anything to the scoreboard in the second half and the only score by either team was a Mylick Elliott-Dargan 51 yard interception return, capping off the 35-12 Cougar victory.

Although the final score didn’t end up the way the Bulldogs wanted it to, there were some positive takeaways. The offense produced over 250 yards total offense. The air attack continues to present a long scoring threat to opposing defenses.  The defense stepped up in the second half, shutting out the High Point offense. Andrew Hinton the Bulldogs in tackles with 5.

With the loss the Bulldogs move to 2-1 on the season. High Point Christian is also 2-1.

In action this week, High Point makes a short trip to Kernersville to take on Bishop McGuinness, while the Bulldogs host the Spring Creek Gators out of Seven Springs and the Carolina 1A Conference.

The Bulldog Football Report spoke to Coach Cochran and he offered the following analysis:

TBFR: Coach Cochran, give us your overall thoughts on the High Point game.
CC: We did not come out with the same fire and passion that they came out with. They came out and punched us in the mouth and we did not respond. I could tell early on this was a revenge game for them and that last season’s playoff loss was still on their minds.

TBFR: As you prepare for Spring Creek on Friday, what are some of the things the Bulldogs should replicate from the High Point game?
CC: We need to come to an understanding that we have gone from the hunter to the hunted. I have a feeling this is going to be the scenario the rest of the year. This is a new position for us to be in and a good place to be – we just need to learn how to operate being the hunted. We also have to maintain physicality moving forward.

TBFR: Same question, but from a different angle, what are some things the Bulldogs must improve upon?
CC: Obviously physicality and some of the things I mentioned earlier. We have a target on our backs and that isn’t going to change. The challenge for us is how we respond.

TBFR: Coach can you tell us about the dynamics associated with home games? That is to say how important is it that you have a rowdy Bulldog crowd in the stands versus being on the road?
CC: Travel takes something out of you, whereas when you are playing at home and you have a great crowd and a jamming band behind you, it brings energy and enthusiasm and helps us respond on the field.

If you’re going to the game:
Kickoff Friday night versus Spring Creek is at 7:00PM at Bulldog Field. Come early. Get rowdy. GO BULLDOGS!

Coach’s Corner – Head Cheer Coach Mrs. Gayle Barger
They keep the crowd hyped and cheer loud and proud for the Bulldogs win, lose, or draw. What would we do without our great Varsity Cheerleading squad?

This week TBFR sat down with Head Cheer Coach Gayle Barger to learn more about what happens in the days leading up to Friday night lights.

TBFR: Coach Barger how long have you been involved with WCA Cheerleading?
GB: I have been coaching at WCA since November 2008, when I was hired as the Middle-School/J.V. Coach. Before that I coached for Pop Warner (a great organization) for four years. I actually was coaching Pop Warner and WCA at the same time, while working a full-time job. The Garner Pop Warner Squad was making its second trip to Disney World for Nationals and I wanted to finish their season with them. I became the WCA Varsity Cheer Coach in 2011.

TBFR: What’s the typical in season training routine like?
GB: During football season, we practice 3 days per week, 2 hours per day. Just like other sports, cheerleading is all about muscle memory. Stunting is the most difficult part of cheering. Lifting another person is not an easy task and throwing them into the air is exciting and frightening all at the same time. To ensure confidence and safety, the stunt groups are required to hit a stunt 5 times in a row. If they do not hit the stunt, the count starts again at one. The idea here is to have them hit the stunt when they are tired. Hitting it at their most tired moment, means they can definitely hit it when they are not as tired on Friday night.

Actual cheering requires being loud, but not dragging or singing words; ensuring motions are tight and clean; and making sure the crowd is engaged and the football team is encouraged. Those are all things to be worked on during practice, as well as making sure the girls know the cheers/chants. There are over 25 cheers and I am not sure about the number of chants. That is a lot of information to remember.

Tumbling is a skill learned best at cheer gym, like Premier Athletics or Cheer Extreme, but definitely is a great skill to have. Most public schools require a standing back tuck and running round off back hand spring tuck. We do not have that requirement, but it is a plus if you can tumble.

This year we are competing at The Carolina’s Regional competition, part of the Christian Cheerleaders of America, on Saturday, November 7th. This adds to our practices. A competition routine lasts for 2:30. It is comprised of tumbling, partner stunts, a pyramid, crowd cheer and dance. A competition routine is a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most fun things for a cheerleader to perform.

TBFR: What are some tips you have for prospective cheerleaders?
GB: Learn the Motion Drill and practice it. Watch videos of stunts and make sure know the proper form for stunting. Run, do push-ups and sit ups to get stronger. Work on flexibility and jumps. Most importantly, you really need to love cheerleading, because it can stressful mentally, emotionally and physically.