MALE (15-0 in 2015)
Coach: Chris Wolfe (seventh season, 59-21).
Starters back: Offense 0, defense 2.
Class: 6-A, District 3.
Player to watch: Junior running back Dayveon Higgs (6-0, 200 pounds) started four games last year and was the team’s second-leading rusher with 324 yards and eight touchdowns on 68 carries. Those numbers should spike this season as he becomes the team’s featured back. “He can really pound the ball, and he’s improved his hands,” Wolfe said. “We’re throwing the ball to him out of the backfield more.”
MORE COVERAGE | Where does Male go now?
Other top players: QB T.J. Thomas (Sr.), WR B.K. Smith (Sr.), OL Andrew Arnold (Sr.), TE Rasean McCauley (Jr.), DL Micah Bland (Sr.), LB Stephon Mayes (Sr.), DB Nathan Hobbs (Sr.), DB Robert Sheffield (Sr.), DB Deion Montgomery (Sr.).
Outlook: After a perfect 2015 that saw Male capture its first state title since 2000, the Bulldogs have a lot of rebuilding to do in 2016. On offense, there is some experience at the skill positions with Thomas, Higgs and McCauley, but the line is entirely new and is Wolfe’s top concern. Thomas completed 71 percent of his passes in a backup role last year and will be the starter this year, though junior Cam Chesher also is expected to see some time at QB. The defense will have a tough time matching last year’s impressive statistic of allowing just 6.2 points per game. Mayes (16 tackles for loss in 2015) is moving to inside linebacker, and Hobbs (six interceptions) is a Division I-caliber cornerback who leads a secondary that looks to be the strength of the defense.
Schedule:
8/19 at Floyd Central
8/26 BALLARD
9/2 at Fairdale
9/9 at Trinity
9/16 SENECA
9/23 *at Butler
9/29 *at PRP
10/14 *ST. XAVIER
10/21 *MANUAL
10/28 at Western
*-District game