TYLER, Texas — In 2023, the Chapel Hill Bulldogs came up short in their quest for a third state title in program history.
The Bulldogs were defeated by the Anna Coyotes in the UIL 4A-DI state championship game, 26-0, and it's only fueling their team going into this season.
"We're real hungry, man. We really want that ring, bro. We tasted it right there last year, and all the young guys they saw it. They want that same thing. So we know that everybody's going to push hard to get that ring this year," said linebacker Trevor Brooks.
Coach Jeff Riordan is now in his fifth year at the helm for Chapel Hill and is ready to use last year's campaign as motivation to come home with the hardware in 2024.
"The chip's on our shoulder. Our guys know what it takes to get there. They know what kind of work it takes to get there. They also know we got to stay healthy. They also know you got to have a few breaks go your way to make those magical runs," Riordan said. "So what we've done the past three years is special and pretty much unheard of, but that's the standard, that's the expectation. And that's what we're trying to do again this year."
Quarterback Demetrius Brisbon said he's working to be a better leader to guide the underclassmen on the team.
"Cause we got a lot of young guns so I'm just trying to get them rolling up and speeding up to date with us big guys. So we're just trying to get back in the roll of things," Brisbon said.
Chapel Hill opens up the season at Jasper on Friday, Aug 30. Check out the video above for more from the Bulldogs' first week of practice.