By Megan Hecox
All season, no one thought the Waldron 3rd and 4th Grade Bulldogs had a chance against powerhouse teams. Saturdays Championship was no different as the Bulldogs walked onto the football field as underdogs. Even though the Bulldogs fell to the Charleston Tigers 6-0 in the AR-OK River Valley Championship, they proved they have the capability to be the Top Dogs in the future.
Looking back over the stats from this season, one would think the Championship game would be nothing but touchdown after touchdown between these two teams. The Bulldogs offense had racked up 192 points on the scoreboard throughout the regular season and Playoffs while the Charleston offense put up 210 points. But defense was the name of the game Saturday. The Bulldogs held their own and pushed the Tigers high powered offense to their limits. With speed, tenacity, and team tackling, Waldron held Charleston to a mere 6 points.
Waldron Little League Football President Jared Kluthe said “There’s no doubt in my mind that our players Rose As One this year. We’re more than proud of these kids and their accomplishments. This was a roller coaster of a season which is exactly why we love the game. These boys have more heart and determination than any group I’ve ever seen. There is only one way for them to go from here and that is up. I want to give a personal thanks to the parents and community for their support Saturday and throughout the season. We have the building blocks started for a great program. These players have started a winning tradition here in Waldron. We’re hoping this kind of winning mindset and determination will spread through the Waldron Football family like wildfire.”
Once you get a taste of winning, it’s hard to not want more. The Waldron Little League program has given their community not only a taste of winning but something to feast on for years to come. A winning tradition doesn’t come overnight, it takes time, perseverance, and hard work. Add in the backing of their entire community and the sky is the limit for Waldron Bulldog Football.