The Rolla High School Football Team had a rebuilding season as they wrapped up with a District record of 1-8 and an overall record of 3-9, through a change in atmosphere and the seniors taking a leadership role for the team. The Bulldogs finished their season strong and are in a good position for the 2017 season.

“I feel like we accomplished a lot. We got better every week, and the kids really developed as the season went on from when we started on week one. The senior class did a good job this year with the transition of a new coach and continued to push forward with what we wanted to do as a program,” Coach Chad Shockley said.

Through the way the seniors pushed forward throughout the season, it also created a new environment on and off the field.

“I thought we definitely brought a positive atmosphere and culture to the team. A lot of that was because of our seniors that did a good job, and I think overall just the change in the atmosphere has helped a lot,” head coach Jon Franks said.

The atmosphere seems to be a big change in the Dogs this year.

“They seem to be meshing well together, and they enjoy being around and hanging around so it is just a whole different atmosphere this year,” coach Brian Owens said.

Although the whole season can be great, there is always that one special moment.

“Seeing the kids after that first win at Waynesville, just being so close and knowing all of the work and effort they put into it and to see them get to celebrate with their friends and family, was just really exciting and rewarding,” Franks said.

The celebration and excitement was fueled by marked improvement according to the coaches.

“Running back wise we got a lot of different running backs in the game, to get to see a lot of improvement in the running backs, but JV wise I think the the Hillcrest game the kids showed a lot of fire and played a great game. They came back and just played their hearts out,” Owens said.

With the JV pushing and fighting, the varsity is also improving and working hard.

“I coached the quarterbacks, I was proud of how Josh [Pritchett(the starting quarterback)] developed through week one to the last week of the football season with his progression of being able to throw the football and have the read option and stuff like that. I was proud to put Josh out there on the field, and he knew exactly what he was supposed to do, and he did well. I was happy to see him develop into a good quarterback, and we’ll have him back again next year,” Shockley said.

As the Dogs wrap up the season, they build a strong foundation to stand upon come August of 2017.

“Overall it was a great learning year, and we showed a lot of improvements. So it was a very good season,” Owens said.