The pre-season perception last season in the Grand River Conference was that the Gallatin Bulldogs would not fare well in the newly formed GRC Eastern Division lineup, but the Dogs quickly put those doubts to rest, under the guidance of first-year coach Patrick Treece.
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A first-game victory over North Platte gave the Bulldogs the start they were looking for, but tough games against Hamilton, Maysville and Polo followed. The Bulldogs played the Panthers tough for three quarters and then surged to five straight wins before losing a heartbreaker in the opening round of district action. One of those important victories included a 35-21 win over conference co-champion, Trenton.
Fast forward to August 2017 — Coach Treece and his staff, Ryan Beenken, John Bundy and Brett Adkison, welcome back a nucleus of players that is much more experienced than at this time a year ago, including five players who earned all-conference, eastern division honors last season.
Senior quarterback/linebacker Cole McBee piled up over 1,000 yards in total offense and had a hand in 15 touchdowns. He led the Bulldogs in tackles as well and earned a conference first team honor as an all-purpose player.
Junior Adrian Hernandez was first team all-conference kicker, making 33 of 34 extra points on the season. He was also an all-state selection by the Missouri Football Coaches Association.
Junior tackle/defensive end Graydee Rains earned second team all-conference on both sides of the ball. He notched 5.5 sacks and registered 13 tackles for loss as a potent pass rusher.
Senior receiver/defensive back Caleb Boyd earned honorable mention on both sides last season. He has been one of the team’s most effective pass catchers for the last two seasons.
Senior Colin Beck earned second team all-conference at punter. He also plays tight end and inside linebacker.
Junior Corbin Toney is a dual threat runningback effective as a ground gainer and pass catcher. Senior Gabe Cole will also be a pass-catching threat to contend with.
Up front, the Bulldogs flash plenty of experience, along with Rains with the return of senior tackle Patrick McNickle, senior guard Noah Engel and junior guard Morgan McBroom, who is recovering from a pre-season shoulder injury. Coaches are also happy with the continued emergence of sophomore center/defensive end Tom Crouse. Senior tackle Morgan Miller was a newcomer last season and will be counted upon on both sides of the ball.
The Bulldogs open their season Friday night at home against the North Platte Panthers, who they defeated last season, 42-6. Gallatin travels to Hamilton in week #2 to face the defending state champion Hornets, who open Friday at Maysville.
Projected Starters vs. North Platte
Offense
QB Cole McBee
RB Corbin Toney
RB Haden Bradford
TE Landon Corwin
WR Rian Critten
WR Jared Williams
WR Caleb Boyd
WR Gaven Gray
RT Patrick McNickle
RG Noah Engel
C Tom Crouse
LG Thomas King
LT Graydee Rains
K Adrian Hernandez
Defense
DE Graydee Rains
DT Patrick McNickle
DT Thomas King
DE Tom Crouse
LB Noah Engel
LB Haden Bradford
LB Jared Williams
LB Gaven Gray
CB Rian Critten
CB Gabe Cole
FS Caleb Boyd
P Colin Beck