CRESWELL – As they enter into a new football season, the Creswell Bulldogs are using their own version of the Dewey Decimal System.
Let’s call this one Dewey 2.0.
One steady tradition throughout coach Scott Worsham’s tenure has been outstanding play at the quarterback position.
For the last three seasons Connor Hanson, an all-league performer in both football and basketball, used his breakaway speed to frustrate opposing defenses.
Before that, Dalton Dewey was a two-year starter at quarterback. He was a masterful decision-maker while running an option-style offense. He started at wide receiver as a sophomore.
There was a good reason why Dalton didn’t play QB as a sophomore. That was Colton White’s senior year.
“He’s probably the best passing quarterback we’ve had in the last 10 years,” Worsham said of White, who set school records for most completions in a game (27), most yards in a game (264) and yards in a season (1,238).
Now, the Bulldogs turn to Dalton‘s little brother, junior Darien Dewey, to carry the torch. Worsham says he has no doubts about Darien being ready.
“We’ve had the luxury of having some good quarterbacks here. Dalton was an exceptional player and Connor followed him up nicely,” Worsham said. “Darien is the most committed guy here. He’s missed one day since May 30. He wants more, it’s almost like, ‘Why are we stopping now?’ He’s always hungry for more.
“We always had confidence in him last year if Connor needed a break. He’s not as big of a runner as Connor or Dalton, but I think he’ll be a better passer, he has a good sense of what to do and he’s got good football savvy. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”
The attitude of the entire team makes Worsham believe this could be the season in which the Bulldogs finally break their playoff drought. Creswell last went to the postseason in 2011.
“It’s the most committed group I’ve had, and it’s fun to be a part of that,” he said. “They want it. They work hard, they understand that’s what it takes.”
While the Bulldogs will have one of their most balanced offenses in several seasons, they will look to establish the run, with Victor Giffin as the lead back and Tyler Bowers in the slot. Jaydon Warthen – who’s a little banged up entering the season – is also a key member of the offense, while Asher Parsons and Chase Green also could factor into that rotation.
Dewey will have plenty of options to throw to, as well, including Bowers, Parsons, Green, Warthen, Trenton Booher and Colton Kaiser, a transfer from Pleasant Hill.
Worsham said he’s never had this kind of size up front. Seniors Tayson Hunter (6-6, 325), Caden Cox (6-3, 275) and Bryson Walker (6-6, 300) anchor a line that should be able to push some people around.
“They’re more athletic than you think they are, too,” Worsham said. “They ought to be able to open some holes and give the quarterback some time. We’re trying to get these guys in shape and thinking about running an uptempo offense this year.”
Creswell lost some key seniors from last year. Along with Hanson, the Bulldogs lost Jack Nguyen – a terrific three-way player, as he was a star running back, defensive back and kicker – as well as Mason Scovil and Juan Beltran, who was a tackling machine.
“Connor was a great athlete for us. He and Jack and Juan, we had a great senior class,” Worsham said. “But this team really has the eye of the tiger, they realize they can make the playoffs if they play up to their capabilities.”
There’s also a sense of excitement about the new accommodations at Markley Field. After partnering with Beynon – the industry leader for installing new turf fields and track surfaces since 1974, including the installation of Hayward Field, which hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships – Creswell will unveil its new field, new lights and new press box when it opens its season on Friday, Sept. 1 against Taft.
“It’s state of the art, best in the country, we’ve been eager to get out there and see how it feels,” Worsham said. “But we’ll be ready for our first game on Sept. 1.”
