Published: August 20, 2008 11:11 pm            

Dawson duo of Edwards, Blair to inherit leadership roles with Bulldogs

DAWSON — Leadership is an integral, often unrecognized piece of the puzzle for a successful football team, especially in the ranks of Class 1A football. Coaches can motivate their players in practice, on the sideline, and in the locker room, but on the field the players must manage themselves. A member of the team must step up and offer encouragement to players who are down, or through simply playing their hearts out and “leaving it all on the field”, set an example for their teammates to follow. Heading into his second year as head coach of the Dawson Bulldogs, head coach Scott Hawkins has discovered a pair of seniors in Zack Edwards (6-2, 165) and Matt Blair (5-11, 165) who fit the bill.

It is certainly key that the head coach has taken notice of this duo, but he’s not alone. Although Hawkins says his squad has not elected official “captains”, they have unofficially chosen team leaders. Edwards and Blair are two of three seniors that were chosen by the team for this recognition, with lineman Cameron Johnson (6-2, 300) being the third.

“Neither of them are real vocal leaders,” Hawkins admitted. “But they’ve been leading by example a lot better.”

Hawkins seems to be most impressed with the pair’s growth since his arrival on the scene a season ago, and although both players are quiet, their effort on the field should provide motivation for the rest of the group.

“Those guys have made a huge difference, just in the past year with the way they’ve grown up,” said Hawkins. “As a coach I can see the growth in them and their maturity, and I know it’s going to make a difference.”

Edwards returns in 2008 after lining up under center for the Bulldogs last year, but may be challenged at quarterback this season. Quarterback or not, Hawkins is confident in Edwards and his ability to play multiple positions and help out his team wherever he lines up on Friday nights.

“Zack is a kid who didn’t want to be quarterback last year because he didn’t like having that responsibility,” Hawkins said. “He didn’t have that confidence, but I have seen a complete turnaround, and now he has that confidence, and carries himself with that confidence.”

While a huge asset on offense, Hawkins was enormously impressed with Edwards’ defensive prowess in 2007 as well, and expects him to step up and fill voids in the secondary for the Bulldogs. Last season against Wortham, Edwards intercepted a pass late in the game to secure Dawson’s first victory in over a season and a half, and made multiple big hits throughout the rest of the season.

“Zack surprised me toward the end of last year,” confessed Hawkins. “Because he’ll come up and stick you, and it scared me because he’s my quarterback, too.”

With a season under his belt, Edwards is primed to have a productive 2008 campaign on both sides of the ball, and his head coach is looking forward to what’s to come.

“I think Zack is going to emerge this year,” the coach boasted. “And he’s going to help us so much defensively.”

In practice, Blair is getting a look at the “unglorified” halfback position in Hawkins’ offensive scheme, but may also see competition for the starting job before the regular season begins. Much like Edwards, Hawkins feels confident in Blair’s ability to make good things happen whereever he is.

“With Matt, I’m looking at him right now at a halfback spot,” said Hawkins. “But he’s going to play that swing-man and receiver spot for me because I know I can count on him.”

Dawson’s head coach is also quick to praise Blair’s maturity over the past year, and is equally impressed with his growth as with that of Edwards. Hawkins also points out Blair’s work ethic and focus at his age.

“Matt has worked really hard this summer,” Hawkins said. “He worked with his dad doing some construction stuff, and when I went for his home visit his dad talked about how proud he was of him.”

Blair will also be heavily relied on to make things happen for the Bulldog defense, which is another aspect Hawkins is very comfortable with.

“Matt is one of those kind of quiet kids, but he’ll hit you hard,” the coach stated with a smile. “I just really expect some huge things out of him this year.”

Still fairly young overall, leadership from within the team could be a difference-maker for the 2008 Dawson Bulldogs, but their coach shows no signs of worry in that regard.

“They’ve got some pretty good senior leadership,” said Hawkins.

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James Ratliff may be contacted via e-mail at jratliff@corsicanadailysun.com

        

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