When DJ Search was hired as the Bulldogs’ head coach on March 31, he brought with him a philosophy rooted not just in football, but in life lessons. After more than a decade as a defensive coach at Richland, Search returned to Pasco—where he once volunteered and teaches elementary PE—to take on one of the toughest challenges in Mid-Columbia Conference football.
“This isn’t about winning games first,” Search said. “It’s about creating winners as people. If we can teach these kids to be good teammates, sons, brothers, and eventually parents, the success will follow on Friday nights.”
Building Culture in Purple and White
The Bulldogs are coming off a 2024 campaign that underscored just how steep the climb is. Pasco went 2-6 in the MCC and 2-8 overall, with its only wins coming against Hanford and Hermiston. The program had no players receive All-Conference honors, a painful reminder of how far the team has to go to compete with league powers like Chiawana, Richland, Kamiakin, and Kennewick.
The numbers told the story. Pasco ranked seventh out of nine in the league in total offense, finishing with 1,911 yards (212.3 per game), while scoring just 132 points all season (14.7 per game). Defensively, the Bulldogs surrendered 3,502 yards (389.1 per game) — also seventh in the MCC.
For Search, those setbacks are the exact motivation fueling his mission to rebuild from the ground up.
“When I came in, I knew the culture was one where kids were almost waiting for something bad to happen,” he explained. “We’re working to change that. Our message is about resilience—recovering when adversity strikes.”
The Bulldogs currently suit up around 60 players, and while that’s fewer than some MCC schools, Search is embracing what he has. Many athletes juggle responsibilities beyond football—watching siblings, working jobs, and helping their families.
“I love the kids we have,” he said. “When they come, we’re not asking where they’ve been. We’re accepting them and working with them. They need to know this program has a place for them.”
Leaders Emerging on the Field
Search is quick to highlight his linemen, emphasizing the importance of the trenches in shaping Pasco’s identity. Names like Sawyer Hickam, Zlatan Moreno, and Jon Wokojance stand out as players who embody the team’s buy-in.
Junior quarterback Junior Olvera is expected to guide the offense, while athletic playmakers like senior running back Jayden Williams bring energy and versatility. Defensively, linebackers such as Alan McGary and some young talent are expected to anchor a physical style of play.
“Our identity is physical football,” Search said. “We want to compete with multiple looks and force teams to prepare for a lot, but at its core it’s going to be fundamental and tough.”
Williams: “We’re Sick and Tired of the Narrative”
If Search provides the philosophy, senior Jayden Williams brings the heartbeat. A running back and linebacker, Williams has emerged as both a vocal and emotional leader for the Bulldogs.
“Our motto is prove them wrong,” Williams said. “People think Pasco is just the sorry school. They don’t see the grind we put in. This year we’re locked in, and we’re tired of hearing that narrative.”
Williams, nicknamed “Sparky” for his infectious energy, balances competitiveness with joy. “I try to keep football fun,” he said. “When guys take it too seriously, they can crumble under pressure. Winning’s fun, but you have to enjoy the game too.”
Beyond high school, Williams hopes to earn a college offer in football. If not, he plans to pursue sports broadcasting, aiming for a degree in communications or journalism.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs open their season against Southridge on September 4. While Pasco may not be circled as a favorite in the MCC, Search and Williams are focused on shifting the narrative one step at a time.
“Every 10 yards is a new chance,” Search told his players at practice. “That’s life. Things won’t be easy, but you fight through and take the next opportunity.”
And that’s the new vision for Pasco football: not just surviving, but fighting, competing, and proving everyone wrong.
Good luck DJ! Prove them wrong!!!