Bulldogs ready for 2019 opener with Southwest Thursday

Last season, the Holmes Community College Bulldogs made the postseason despite having many key players go down to injury during summer and preseason workouts. Associate Head Coach Ousmane Coulibaly said this year's workouts have been good for the 2019 team.

"Preseason and summer workouts went great," Coulibaly said. "We were able to get the players fit while sharpening and improving their touches on the ball.  But most importantly, we were very fortunate to avoid any serious injuries as opposed to last year's preseason and summer workouts."

Coulibaly said he's looking to returning players Colby Fair, Brandon King, Wesley Jacobs, Luis Oseguera and Harrison Hodge for their leadership on and off the field.

"Colby Fair in the goal, Brandon King, Wesley Jacobs, and Harrison Hodge in the backline will certainly help us a great deal by making sure they lead the team and keep our defense very strong," Coulibaly said. "Luis Oseguera, a returning midfielder, will also make a big impact as he seems to be over his injury battles (keeping our fingers crossed)."

He said Parker Francis, Brady Jacobs, Cameron Grantham and Rhybert McNab will be key to the Bulldogs' success.

"Parker Francis will be a great addition to our backline with his physical presence and defending abilities," Coulibaly said. "Brady Jacobs, a midfielder from Florida, will bring a lot of creativity and flair to our midfield with the help of Cameron Grantham, a midfielder, with great vision and technical ability. Rhybert McNab will also make an impact on the attack for us this year with his ability to run at defenders and his game knowledge."

Coulibaly said expectations are to make the playoffs. "Our expectations this year are to also make the playoffs and give ourselves a chance to compete for the ultimate prize by taking it one game at a time, one opponent at a time.

"Our strengths this year are the great team spirit, the desire and hunger that the players are showing so far and we will do our best to keep them motivated," he added.