Martinsville finished up last year's season 6-6. They scored a playoff win over Marion and then lost to Richlands in the second round. Since taking over three years ago head coach Bobby Dalton has changed the culture of Martinsville football and his team brings back nine starters on offense and five on defense.
"Our first year we were 2-and-8. Things didn't go right for us at all, just didn't have the right personnel for what we wanted. We wanted disciplined players. Third year we feel we have the disciplined players. We have a group of seniors who were sophomores that were part of this team. They know what we want. We want players that will do what the coaches ask and when you do that you're going to have success," Dalton said.
Dalton says he'll rely on a strong senior group that has learned how to lead during his three-year tenure. Senior running back Freddie Williams said, "We lost a lot last year but we also have picked up a lot so it's just about us having the confidence in going out and hitting in the mouth first instead of letting them hit us in the mouth first."
After going 2-8 in his first year, Dalton now has a group of fast, aggressive, and smart players - players he needs to run an option attack spread offense.
What is it going to take for the Bulldogs to have a successful season?
Senior wide receiver/safety Damian Patterson said, "Hard work, effort. We got to give more than what we gave last year."
Martinsville went 4-1 in its last five games of 2010 and if that type of play continues Dalton said his team could play for a regional championship.
Step one begins August 26th against Brookville.
