By Patrick Yost
Staff

When the Morgan County Middle School Bullpups take the field on Wednesday, September 3 they will be facing last year’s league champions Monticello.
   

They play at Monticello on the Purple Hurricanes sweltering in–town field.
   

But MCMS head coach Stacey Webb is not overly concerned. A challenge, for sure, but Webb says this year’s version of the Bullpups is progressing well ahead of schedule.
   

“We’re  a lot better right now. Our kids are more knowledgeable. We’re way ahead from last year.”
   

Webb, starting his second season as the Bullpup leader, returns 40 players from last year’s squad. In total, he said, more than 90 players will travel with the Bullpup team this year. The experience, both in coaching and learning the personalities and skill sets of individual players, should help the Bullpup team.

“I’ve got a better grasp on the kids,” he said.
   

The Pups wil run a Wing–T offense again this year and defend with a modified 4 – 4. Webb said several seventh grade players are adding to the talent mix this year but he is looking forward to top performances from eighth graders Stewart Spence and twins Austin and Baylor Ross. All three will share duties running the ball and playing in the linebacker group on defense.
   

Webb said community support for the team this year has also elevated the program. “We’ve got good support. I feel a lot more comfortable this year.”
   

The Monticello game begins at 4:30 p.m.