As fall progresses and the halfway point of the season is passed, it has become evident that Dodger fall sports are doing exceptionally well.

Success has been common this year in sports like boys’ cross country, volleyball, and of course, football.

The last time a Dodger football team started a season this well was in 1984, where they began 6-0.

With an undefeated record this season, the Dodger team has spurred an excitement around football and all that it involves. The games have been thrilling to attend. From huge crowds, to Friday night excitement, to the Tail Gating Crew, it’s hard to not find some one who takes part in the buzz that football can bring in one way or another.

Having a winning season has also sparked talks of post season play. A few more wins and the Dodgers could very well be looking at a spot in the infamous playoffs. The last time Dodger football made it to the playoffs was in 1994. I feel that is too long of an absence; we are well past due for another playoff berth.

The playoffs also can bring something that I hope our guys can encounter this season—the atmosphere. The state volleyball tournament is much like the playoffs, and when the volleyball team qualified for the state tournament last year, the feeling involved with the tournament was phenomenal. It brought forth loads of hype and motivation from not only within the team, but also from the school and community. Having the support of your town during the tournament is an incredible feeling, and one that I truly hope the football team will be able to experience this year.

Tonight the Dodgers bring themselves one step closer to that ultimate goal and face top-ranked Valley. As we all know, its going to be a tough game—tough, but not at all impossible. Motivation and heart are key factors to winning big games like this, and our guys have the drive to do it.

So after school, throw on your BEAT VALLEY shirt, smear on the war paint, and get fired up because tonight the Tigers come to our house—and we’ll be waiting for them.



’84 was last year Dodgers started 5-0 (went to 6-0), 7-2, lost first round playoffs

’94 was last year to make playoffs

‘01 was last winning season (5-4)

’78, ‘94 were only years to win first playoff game in school history