2023/2024 Athletic Season Begins
The season began today for the 2023/2024 Albemarle Bulldogs athletic year. Albemarle Men’s Soccer made the trip to North Rowan to take on the Cavaliers in their season opening match. The Bulldogs return a handful of key players, including senior goal-scorer Armando Popoca and Alex Ulloa, who covers more ground in one match than many people cover in a year. The soccer ‘Dogs have also added a strong freshman class to the ranks and look to continue to build on their playoff appearance a year ago. They return to the road on Wednesday, heading south this time to Anson High School and a matchup with the Bearkats.
Volleyball season begins in earnest this week, with the Bulldogs welcoming in both Anson (Tuesday) and Thomasville (Thursday) this week. Under the direction of first year head coach, Nyjah McClendon, the Bulldogs will continue to build their program as they return all-conference player Jasmine Brown, among other starters from last year’s squad.
While Cross Country won’t run in their first meet until September 5th, they have tripled in size under the direction of second year head coach Brandon Bowden. They’re led by senior Reyli Alvarez, who qualified for the state championship meet last season and will look to do so again this year while pushing his teammates, including four freshman, as they seek to build on his foundation.
The Albemarle cheerleaders will represent the Bulldogs on Thursdays and Fridays at football games and in other places in the community. Under the direction of first year head coach Tiera McDonald, the cheer squad returns plenty of experience to a dedicated group.
Football season kicks off this week as well. The JV Bulldogs welcome Asheboro’s JV to Bulldog Stadium on Thursday night at 6:30 before the varsity travels to Asheboro for a 7:30pm kickoff on Friday. The Bulldogs return a good deal of experience, including senior Miles Gregory who will anchor the offensive line, senior QB Ander Artis under center, and senior Safety/WR Jaylen Pinkney offering athleticism on offense and a nose for the ball on defense. Junior Kaine McClendon and senior Malik Watkins will share running back duties, among others. On the defensive side of the ball, Gregory will be joined by Tyquan McDonald coming off the edge to lead the attack up front while Garrie Rivers brings great experience to the linebacker position and fellow senior Christian “Bill” Harris locks down receivers with excellent ball skills. The Bulldogs will look to build upon back to back playoff appearances.
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