By Robert Balajadia

For the past couple of seasons the Okkodo Bulldogs have given their fans plenty of reasons to cheer after producing their first MVP in defensive linebacker Justin Santos, while picking up playoff wins in the that span.

Now under the head coaching of Ken Cruz, the Bulldogs are pushing not only to replicate their success in recent years but exceed them featuring a bunch of new additions to the team.

“Okkodo has a really young team and has not matured yet. I can really see this program developing starting from this year and we have  a lot of eager players so we’re looking to be competitive this year,” said Cruz.

Quarterback Leeray Zapatos taking snaps during practice. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Losing Santos and all-purpose offensive and defensive player Calvin Muna may seem like a big hit to the defense but defensive captains Jesse Carl Cruz and Adrian Whitfield are not taking any snaps off to ensure the Bulldog defense is as stingy as it has always been.

Leeray Zapatos gives the offense much needed veteran leadership while Dylan Aguon is set to be the Bulldogs biggest offensive threat.

Defensive Captain Jesse Carl Cruz

Quarterback Leeray Zapatos

Key Players in 2014

Jesse Carl Cruz

Leeray Zapatos

Dylan Aguon

Adrian Whitfield

Key Losses

Justin Santos

Calvin Muna

Kyle Cruz

One of the easiest parts of Cruz’ transition as head coach is coaching the younger players on the squad who have come from GNYFF.

“These players had a foundation already so coming into high school makes it much easier, they’re not difficult to coach and they know the game of football. It’s just a matter of adapting to a new coaching style,” said Cruz on the youth.

Okkodo kicks off the season against the GW Geckos up North at the Bulldog home field and Cruz is expecting to see his squad show signs of early nerves.

“There’s usually going to be first game jitters,” admitted Cruz. “There’s nothing uncommon about that, but as the game goes on we still shake off those jitters, regroup and do what we need to do.”

Defensive Captain Adrian Whitfield

Offensive weapon Dylan Aguon