Priceville’s Class 4A Bulldogs logged an uncharacteristic season in 2014, falling to a 16-20 record and failing to get out of their area for the first time in eight years.

“We had a strong defense but struggled on offense last season,” said head coach Shane Hopkins. “Consequently, we failed to reach our goal. We also faced tough area opponents, Haleyville and Brooks. They had a lot to do with it. Both teams have either won state championships or have been runners-up in our class in recent years.”

The Bulldogs lost seven seniors from that team and have some rebuilding to do, but the road to get through area competition is moving in a different direction. Westminster Christian, DAR and North Jackson have replaced West Lawrence, Haleyville and Brooks as area opponents.

Bulldogs who graduated in 2014 were pitcher Jacob Crow, who received a baseball scholarship to Lawson State Community College, pitcher Malik Orr, first baseman Tyler Charest, catcher Zack Smith, third baseman Landon Eddy, second baseman Justin Dozier and center fielder Cody Barber.

Hopkins has four returning starters to build his team around this year. They are Weston Hopkins, a senior who led the team in hitting with a .317 batting average, as a junior, Jacob Goodwin, senior catcher, Aaron Cartee, a junior defensive hitter and Jacob Vehrs, a senior left fielder.

Other returning varsity players are Phillip Goodwin, Sam Brandon and Stone Patterson. Both Goodwin and Patterson are pitchers. Patterson pitched 36 innings and posted a 3-1 record.

Moving up from a successful junior varsity team are juniors A.J. Jones and Ian Lonnergan and sophomores Aubrey Richardson, Ramsey Rey, Lane McCulloch, Will Hughes and Landon Flaherty.

Hopkins said pitching could be the team’s strength with two varsity performers returning and a couple of last year’s JV pitchers who have the potential to contribute on the mound.

“Game experience is where we are lacking,” he said. “We have a lot of new guys who will be starting at the varsity level for the first time.”

In the offseason, the Bulldogs played American Legion baseball and participated in summer workouts for strength and conditioning.

“This group loves the game and has worked hard,” Hopkins said. “Their chemistry is good, and they’re fun to be around.”

“Hopkins and Jacob Goodwin have started since they were sophomores,” he added. “As seniors, we expect them to provide good leadership.”

“Our biggest challenge is gaining experience andbeing competitive early in the season,” Hopkins pointed out.

Assistant coaches working with Hopkins are J.R. Dilbeck, Dale Dilbeck and Jacob Wray.

The Bulldogs opened their season in a preseason tournament at Lee High School in Huntsville, which began Monday and continues through Feb. 24.

2015 Priceville Bulldogs Schedule

Feb. 16-24 Preseason Tournament (at Lee) TBA

Feb. 26 Austin 4:30 p.m. (DH)

Feb. 28 vs. Winfield (at LCHS) 3 p.m.

Feb. 28 at Lawrence Co. 5 p.m.

March 3 Brewer 4:30 p.m. (DH)

March 6 Pleasant Valley (at White Plains) 6 p.m.

March 6 at White Plains 8 p.m.

March 7 at White Plains 11 a.m.

March 7 vs. Westbrook Chr. (at White Plains) 1 p.m.

March 10 at East Lawrence 4:30 p.m. (DH)

March 12 Good Hope 4:30 p.m. (DH)

March 14 East Lawrence 10 a.m.

March 14 Lawrence Co. 6 p.m.

March 17 North Jackson* 4:30 p.m. (DH)

March 19 at North Jackson 4:30 p.m. (DH)

March 21 West Point 11 a.m.

March 21 Albertville 5 p.m.

March 23-25 Spring Break Tourn. (at Pope JP II) TBA

March 27 Ramsey (Rickwood Field) 4:30 p.m. (DH)

March 28 at Pleasant Grove 11 a.m.

March 28 John Carroll (at Pl. Grove) 1:30 p.m.

March 31 at DAR* 4:30 p.m. (DH)

April 2 DAR* 4:30 p.m. (DH)

April 7 Westminster* 4:30 p.m. (DH)

April 9 at Westminster* 4:30 p.m. (DH)

April 11 at Madison Co. 11 a.m.

April 11 vs. Buckhorn (at Madison Co.) 1 p.m.

*-area game (first game of DH)