TDL Game of the Week preview: Jennings Bulldogs

JENNINGS, La. (KPLC) - It’s Week 5 of the high school football season, and the Jennings Bulldogs are riding high on a three-game win streak. Their next challenge is a home matchup against the DeRidder Dragons.

Head coach Bret Fuselier knows what kind of game to expect Friday night, a battle in the trenches.

“Us and DeRidder are gonna be a matchup of similar styles,” Fuselier said. “They like to run the ball, we like to run the ball. They’re a 4-2-5 defense. They may be a little bigger than us up front, but they’re still athletic in the back end. They fly around to the football and do a good job out there.”

Jennings’ defense, which allowed just seven points in last week’s win, will be tasked with slowing down DeRidder’s rushing attack, and they’re no strangers to making big plays.

Leading the defense is Peyton Phelps, the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator and the son of longtime former head coach Rusty Phelps. He says this year’s defense has a defining trait.

“I’d just say tough,” Phelps said. “I think a lot of those guys aren’t scared to get in there and mix it up.”

One of those players is defensive end Zion Leonard, who has quickly become a key disruptor.

“Every snap of the ball, I’m focused on two things: beating that tight end or tackle, and getting to the quarterback,” Leonard said.

But it’s not just one Bulldog leading the charge. It’s a full-team effort.

“We work as a team. We’re all like brothers,” said defensive tackle Derrick Smith. “So it’s easier for us because we can talk to one another.”

Phelps believes the group has shown composure and resilience throughout the season.

“I think they do a really good job of bending, not breaking on the field, and finding a way to get a stop.”

The Bulldogs will try to keep their winning streak alive when they host DeRidder Friday night in Jennings.