Eden Confident of Success in 2018 Despite Tough Schedule

EDEN, TX-- With a five seniors, nine starters and 11 lettermen returning, the Eden Bulldogs believe they can get back to the playoffs in 2018.

“It’s huge,” head coach Clayton Garmon said of returning that group. “Experience has been key. We put in a new offense, changed up what we’ve been doing. That’s helped us a lot. It fits our personnel a little more.”

Garmon said his senior leaders bought into the new spread scheme and have brought the younger players along with them.

Moving to the spread offense should help the Bulldogs utilize their speed, according to Garmon.

“We have some very fast guys,” Garmon added. “I think we need to capitalize on our speed. That’s the plan of what we’re going to do.”

With that new offensive scheme comes a need for a good quarterback. Garmon said sophomore Hunter Rodgers is the guy he’s looking at to direct this offense after being voted newcomer of the year last year.

“He can throw the ball,” Garmon said. “He’s got a lot of talent.”

The Bulldogs also get Austin Moya back after missing the last two seasons due to injuries, according to Garmon.

Anthony Moya, Austin’s brother, is another focal point for Garmon.

“His leadership has shown up,” Garmon said of the senior. “This is his senior year and he wants to take it seriously. I’m proud of him for that. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do.”

Ethan Sauceda was the old quarterback for the Bulldogs. After talks with the coaches in the spring, he will move to receiver.

“We talked in the spring and said ‘Hey, we have to move you,” Garmon said. “He said ‘It’s what’s best for the team.’ It’s been a great thing. He’s been doing a great job out there and I’m very impressed with him.”

However, a playoff spot will not come easily to Eden or anyone in District 13-1A Division 1.

Robert Lee, Veribest, Bronte and Paint Rock are staring the Bulldogs down in the new district out of Region IV.

“Every Friday night is important,” Garmon said. “But every Friday in district is going to be a key ballgame. There’s not one game where we’re circling the schedule. Every district ballgame is key.”

Garmon isn’t shy about his high expectations for his team; he feels they can win the district.

“I know every coach is saying that right now, but I firmly believe it,” Garmon added. “The guys had a great summer. They played in a 6-on-6 league that they’ve never done before. They ended up winning the league.”

The Bulldogs open their tough schedule with state-ranked Blackwell on Saturday, Sept. 1.