It doesn’t get any easier from here on out as the Bulldogs move into the quarterfinals of the Class 3A football playoffs. Last week in round one of the playoffs, the Dogs (10-1) swamped a good Kingfisher team with one of the most dominating defensive performances ever at Agee Field, scoring three defensive TDs and holding the Yellowjackets to just 63 yards of total offense. This week’s opponent, however, poses the biggest challenge of the year for the Bulldogs as they host Idabel in a 7:00 p.m. start at Agee Field. The Warriors (8-3) will bring into Sulphur a collection of speed and athleticism the Dogs have not faced all year, “Idabel is the most talented team we have seen this season, team speed is incredible and they have a ton of playmakers on offense,” said head Sulphur coach Corey Cole. According to Cole, the Warriors will sprint out two Division 1 offensive players, their receiver Lopez (#4) and their running back, Larry (#6). Add to that a quarterback who threw for over 300 yards last week in a 39-21 win over Sequoyah-Claremore, and it becomes apparent the skill set of this team. “Defensively, they have team speed and size all over the field and play a very aggressive style of football,” said Cole. “ They are well coached and are playing their best ball at the right time of the year. “It will be a huge challenge for the Bulldogs but we are also playing very well right now. It will be the game of the week in Class 3A with two very talented rosters playing for a berth in the semifinals.” The Warriors opened the pre-district portion of their season with two wins and a loss, beating Valliant, 51-13, and Ashdown, AR, 41-0, and losing to Broken Bow, 42-21. In their Class 3A-3 District, the team lost only to Stigler in an overtime thriller, 29-28, and to top rated, Lincoln Christian, 48-0. Their wins came over Holland Hall, 41-7, Muldrow, 47-27, Locust Grove, 54-33, Eufaula, 37-27, Chectoah, 38-23, and Sequoyah-Claremore, 39-21, in their first round playoffs. Cole again thanked Sulphur fans for their support this season. “Our fanbase and community have been awesome all year - get out and support the Bulldogs and make it a great home field advantage for the Bulldogs Friday night,” he said. The winner of this game will face the winner of the Bristow-Checotah game in the semifinals the following Friday at a site to be determined later. Ironically, both Sulphur and Idabel sport wins over those two teams. The Dogs beat Bristow in their seventh game of the season, 41-0, and Idabel posted a 15-point win over Checotah in their ninth game of the season, 38-23. On the other side of the Class 3A playoff bracket are Heritage Hall facing off with Holland Hall and Lincoln Christian going against Pauls Valley.
