The Pasco Bulldogs may not be a team you’ve seen on a state championship poster recently, but they know there’s more to a football program than hanging a banner.
Second-year head coach DJ Search knew what he was getting himself into last season, and the Bulldogs finished with four wins – a step forward for the program – while leaving one or two more on the table. Now, Search and his roster are looking to build on that foundation as they face a new season of challenges. They currently hold a 1-3 overall record.
“It’s not so much of an ease. It’s had to be a two-foot jump, you know, to come to this program and try to do the things we’re doing,” said Search on The Sports Council.
It is typical for 4A schools to have over 100 kids showing up for practices, but Pasco has less than 60 players on its roster. Unfortunately, a smaller team comes with its own challenges.
“I’m not scared, we have the right kids. I always tell them we’re not outmanned, but we’re outnumbered. So, we have to be in condition and we have to play physical,” said Search.
Introducing new formations to the team has also come with its challenges, leaving Search to rely on his young quarterback and several young receivers to push through the growing pains that come with a developing offense. With little repetition in previous seasons, the Bulldogs are taking every snap in practice and in games as an opportunity to build from the past.
“They know what to do once the ball’s snapped, but getting there and getting off the ball has been a very challenging thing to do so far,” Search said following Pasco’s season-opening loss to Kennewick.
Running backs JoJo Cole and Damon Bradfield are not only getting opportunities in the new offensive system, but they are also stepping into larger roles in the backfield. As several cornerstone players from last year have graduated, it is up to them – along with others – to fill those shoes.
Although he’d love every play to succeed, Search knows things won’t always go the Bulldogs’ way. He wants his athletes to treat the plays, final scores and even the moments outside of football as a challenge rather than dwell on what went wrong. The Pasco head coach would rather his team attack adversity head on, learn from what happened and focus on what comes next.
“We talk a lot about life, and that’s how life is…It’s a new day. It’s a first and 10. It’s a new challenge and you don’t know how it’s going to hit you,” said Search.
Search doesn’t view football as just football. He sees every choice to come out to practice and work hard as something that doesn’t just develop an athlete, but a person. Learning from the simple mistake of dropping a pass can carry off the field and into everyday life. Search would love Pasco football to have a winning record, but he’d rather focus on building the people within the program while the Bulldogs continue to rebuild.
“How to be a good dad, how to be a good husband, a good son, good father,” said Search.
The rebuild won’t happen overnight, but the Bulldogs still have plenty of season left to work through it.
“I came here on purpose, so I’m up for the challenge,” said Search.
Pasco takes the field next on Friday, Oct. 2 at Richland.