The Yoakum Bulldogs could be considered as one of the biggest surprises in the state in 2016. With a 2-4 overall record and 0-2 record in district play, it may have looked like it just wasn’t their year. But then, the tables turned as the Bulldogs ripped off nine wins in a row en route to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at AT&T Stadium.
They ultimately fell short in that title game to Mineola but head coach Bo Robinson says that the tough start paid big dividends in the long run.
“We lost to four very good football teams early in the season,” Robinson said of the 2-4 start, “But I think those early season games helped make us stronger and taught our team how to overcome adversity which may not have been something we had done the year before. I think nearly everybody in the state would trade for what we did except for Mineola.”
The Bulldogs had contributors from all over the field en route to the team’s first state title game appearance since 1952. Twin brothers Jordan and Josh Moore turned heads across the state as versatile playmakers on both sides of the football, while Henry Enoch served as a workhorse in the running game for Yoakum.
“Jordan and Henry made play after play for us especially down the stretch,” Robinson said, “They definitely deserve all the accolades they got as well as Josh who was a great player for us.”
From that trio, only Jordan Moore will be coming back in 2017. Enoch is a graduating senior, while Joshua Moore transferred to IMG Academy in Florida last month.
“Josh is a great kid and a talented athlete,” Robinson said, “He felt like that was the best thing for him and his future and we’re going to support him and we’re hoping he goes and represents Yoakum well over there at IMG.”
There’s still over 100 days between this article and the start of the 2017 football season, but Robinson is already looking ahead to what’s in store for his team as he enters his third season at Yoakum. With seven returning starters on offense and defense, it’s safe to say that Robinson is optimistic about next year.
“We feel like we’re going to be better,” Robinson said, “When you look at what have coming back at quarterback and our offensive line, we’re battle-tested and we’re very excited about what the future holds for us.”
As for whether that means another return to the state championship, Robinson hinted that it’s too early tell. Ultimately, he feels that his team can get back there after what happened this past season.
“I’ve been to that (state title) game five times as a player and coach and I’ve had really good teams that haven’t made it,” Robinson said, “You got to have some breaks and some luck go your way but I think we have the talent and the team makeup to get back there.”
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