Bulldogs expected to fair well in new district if they play

If the 2020 football season holds up against the current Corona virus pandemic, the Thorndale Bulldogs are predicted to fair pretty well in their new region with their new head coach.

The University Interscholastic League’s biannual realignment in February moved the Bulldogs from Class 2A Region IV to Region III for football.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine hit stores this week and Thorndale is picked to win the Class 2A Division I District 12-2A title.  The Bulldogs are also ranked No. 16 in the preseason statewide poll.

Thorndale has been a mainstay in Region IV athletics for the last 20 years.

The Bulldogs, and their new head coach John Kovar, are picked ahead of Hearne and Holland, who are also ranked as No. 19 and 21, respectively.

Thrall is predicted to round out the playoff teams, followed by Bruceville-Eddy, Moody and Rosebud-Lott.

The Bulldogs have one scrimmage on their schedule on Aug. 21 at Riesel.  Thorndale then opens the season at Dawson on Aug. 28. They continue the road schedule with games at San Antonio Holy Cross and Centerville before the home opener on Sept. 18 against Milano.

The Bulldogs open up district play on Sept. 25 when hosting Moody then travel to Holland on Oct. 2.  Thorndale is set to host Rosebud-Lott on Oct. 9 and will go to Bruceville-Eddy on Oct. 16.

The annual Highway 79 showdown between the Bulldogs and Thrall is set for Oct. 23 in Thorndale.  The Bulldogs finish up their district schedule on Oct. 30 at Hearne.

In 2018-19 seasons, Thorndale, Hearne, Holland, Thrall and Rosebud-Lott were all in the same district in Region IV.