VYPE 4A Top 10 -- #4 Summer Creek Bulldogs

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The Summer Creek Bulldogs

Young And Hungry

Head Coach: Brian Ford

2011 Overall Record: 9–2

Postseason: Lost to Magnolia West in 4A bi-district play

By Ahmard Vital

CUTLINE: Jordan Braden, Aaron Sharp, Keevon Albridge and Dakota Allen will be Summer Creek's "Big Dogs" in 2012.

Youth and experience: two words that are used in heavy rotation in society to try and justify where and individual or a group rank amongst the field of play. Of course that is used many times in regards to sports teams.

While neither is discounted, it could be easily said that both terms have a positive angle to them. That’s the case with the Summer Creek football program. Dating back to the year that the Northeast Houston opened, the Bulldogs seemed to be a team to watch even in the early stages of varsity ball.

Last year the program made huge strides with only one regular season loss. Summer Creek made it to the playoffs in what most would consider a pretty impressive overall season. 

In 2012, this could be the year for the program to make another huge step? Coach Brian Ford weighs in.

“We got great commitment from our seniors doing the extra work. It was going on after school and continues through the summer,” Ford said.

Along with the commitment, Ford is also working with a number of talented players returning to the lineup for this upcoming season.

For a few years now, all eyes have been on quarterback Aaron Sharp, who has led the Bulldogs since his freshman year. As a sophomore he was named the district MVP, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 22 touchdowns, to only a couple interceptions.

As for skilled players, which Ford said was one of the primary strength’s of the Bulldog team, there are a number of players with Sharp who can make plays.

“Our offensive skilled guys are solid. We have our quarterback back who threw for over 2,000 yards and have wide receivers who contributed to those numbers,” Ford said. “There is experience and talent in this group.”

The group whom Ford is referring to likely includes Jordan Braden, a wide receiver who will move to running back for 2012. The other receivers are Torrey Johnson who caught 34 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns. Dequan Ruffin also caught four touchdown passes a year ago.

On defense, it looks like the Bulldogs will be more than secure at the linebacker position. Josh Williams leads the way with 112 tackles and two interceptions, while Mark Domio and Dakota Allen have plenty of experience as well.

Now with Summer Creek in a new district, Ford sees the landscape and knows things will likely be a bit more challenging seeing that a number of the teams advanced to deeper rounds in the playoffs.

“Last season were eliminated in the first round. In fact all of the teams that made the playoffs from the last district were eliminated in the first round,” Ford said. “Now, we know we are on the upswing. We hope to be able to match that this season.”

#3pointstance

With all of the players returning to Summer Creek, it looks like the Bulldogs are in position to compete for the district crown. Experience at the most important position is key and these guys are stacked with play makers. Look for Summer Creek to make another postseason appearance, and possibly get a playoff win.

2012 Schedule

8/31 South Houston

9/14 @ Port Neches-Groves

9/21 New Caney

9/28 @ Crosby

10/19 Humble

10/26 @ Porter

11/01 Barbers Hill