The Bulldog Report: District races heating up

Published 9:56 am Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The district title races for Suwannee’s fall sports teams are heating up as we enter mid-October.  While there are still several games left, the Bulldog football, volleyball, golf, cross country, swimming, and bowling teams are all preparing for postseason action.

Currently, the Bulldog football team is tied for first with Dunnellon in District 5-5A with a 3-0 district record. Suwannee has three district games remaining, beginning tonight at Belleview.  Dunnellon takes on North Marion tonight, and for once, Bulldog fans are allowed to cheer on the Colts of North Marion. Suwannee takes on Dunnellon next week, and could potentially clinch the district title, depending on what happens tonight. The ‘Dogs are sitting pretty right now, but need to keep their foot on the gas to reach their ultimate goal.

In volleyball, Suwannee currently sits second in District 2-5A with a 2-1 record. Suwannee’s playoff chances look good, as long as they can take care of business against Rickards in the district tournament, which will be held on Oct. 23 in Tallahassee. Should Suwannee advance, they would either host or travel to West Florida the following week.

The boys and girls golf teams wrapped up their regular seasons this week and will compete in their respective district tournaments this Tuesday, Oct. 14. The Lady ‘Dogs are led by senior Haejin Choe, who has had an outstanding year on the course. Earlier this season, Choe set a new Suwannee High record for a low round by shooting a 34 (9 holes). Coach Matt Campbell feels good about his team and their chances to advance to the regional tournament.

The boys will compete at Ironwood Country Club in Gainesville on Tuesday. Suwannee is led by sophomore Will Bozeman, who advanced to the regional tournament last season. However, the ‘Dogs have a much deeper line-up this year than in previous seasons, which makes Suwannee a serious contender to earn a team berth in the regional tournament. Seniors Wyatt Jackson and Preston Fletcher, along with juniors Karl Anderson and C.J. Ratliff, are all capable of putting up low numbers for coach Damon Wooley.

For the first time in several years, Suwannee will host the district cross country meet. The meet will be held at Camp Weed on Oct. 28 at 3:30. Coach Eric Rodriguez has another solid group of runners this season, led by senior Katie Stalvey. The Lady ‘Dogs have won a majority of their meets this season, and look to carry that momentum into districts.

The boys and girls swim teams are also wrapping up the regular season this week, and will have a chance to get a well-deserved break before the district tournament on Oct. 29. Suwannee will travel to Cecil Field for districts, and coach Doug Morgan is hoping to send several swimmers on to regionals. Just last week, Suwannee senior Caleb Smart set a new school record in the 200 meter freestyle. The girl’s team has suffered a rash of injuries, but the two week break should give Suwannee some time to heal up before the postseason.

Finally, coach Darrell Curls and the girls bowling team still have much of the regular season left before they head to the district tournament in Ocala on Oct. 27. The Lady ‘Dogs narrowly missed advancing to regionals last year, but hope to come away with a district title this season.

As fall sports begin to wind down, winter sports are just kicking off. The girl’s soccer team held tryouts this week, and the boys will follow suit beginning on Monday. The girl’s basketball team kicks off practice on Oct. 20, with the boy’s team beginning on Oct. 27.

We’d love to encourage everyone to come and check out what our Suwannee High athletes have to offer. Go Dogs!