Copperas Cove Bulldawgs
Head Coach: Rodney Southern (2nd season; 6-5 record)
Last Season: 6-5; 3-3 in district (Lost to DeSoto in area round)
Returning Lettermen: 27 (7 returning starters on offense; 5 on defense)
Copperas Cove Key Players and Storylines
Rodney Southern made an instant impact at Copperas Cove, leading the Bulldawgs to the playoffs for the first time since 2018 a year ago. This fall, the Bulldawgs want even more.
They’ll have one of the best rushing attacks in the district with the one-two punch of KJ Zeigler (1,031 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns) and Keshawn Dooley (767 rushing yards, ten touchdowns). However, it’ll be far from a one-dimensional attack with quarterback Craig Davis (1,200 passing yards and 12 touchdowns) back as well. He’ll open up the offense with his arm strength and experience as a returning starter.
Defensively, the Bulldawgs have a true game changer in defensive end Matt Zeigler, who is a Division I player in the making. Behind him, linebacker Brandon Stubbs is a field general at linebacker, while cornerback Zayvion Davis has great length at 6’1” and 180 pounds.
End season highlights 🚨
-6’3 230
– C/o ‘27
-6A Copperas Cove
-EDGE @RecruitTheDawgs @CoachRSouthern @Coach_delReal @QWhitlow49 @CoachAnderson61 @geezluizbatman @streetziam @RespectxSports @MikeRoach247 @samspiegs @TomLoy247 @247Hudson @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @DemetricDWarren pic.twitter.com/k9jL3xD4Aq— Matt Zeigler (@MattZigg12) November 18, 2025
The Bulldawgs do have some question marks on the offensive line, but across the board, their skill talent stands out. With those impact players, Southern expects the Bulldawgs to make another jump in the win column as they seek a playoff berth for the second-straight year.
2026 Copperas Cove Bulldawgs Football Schedule
*Denotes District 12-6A Contest
Friday August 28 vs. Killeen Ellison 7:00 PM
Friday September 4.vs.. Round Rock Cedar Ridge 7:00 PM
Friday September 11 vs. Hutto 7:00 PM
Thursday September 17 @ Round Rock Westwood 7:00 PM
*Friday September 25 @ Temple 7:00 PM
*Friday October 2 vs. Bryan 7:00 PM
*Friday October 9 @ Killeen Chaparral 7:00 PM
*Friday October 23. vs. Midway 7:00 p.m.
*Friday October 30 @ Harker Heights 7:00 p.m.
*Thursday November 6 vs. Lake Belton 7:00 p.m.
