Dora High School is looking to hit repeat this year, and maybe even a little more. Head football coach Chavis Williams led the 2023, senior-laden team to a 9-3 record, finishing 7-1 in a region that included Corner, Haleyville, Oak Grove, Northside, Hamilton, Curry, and Cordova. This year, Dora enters the 2024 season ranked 8th in 4A classification.
“This team is different. There isn’t a lot of talking, hype, or buzz. They are all about work,” Williams recently said at WJLX preseason media days.
The dynamic connection between quarterback Kesean Pryor and wide receiver Josh Williams was a huge part of the Bulldogs’ offensive success last year, as the two senior stars combined for 2,889 yards and 23 touchdowns. But the 2024 version of the Bulldogs does not boast the luxury of the Pryor/Williams combination, Pryor signing with the University of North Alabama (UNA) and Williams with Kentucky Christian. Assuming more of the offensive load will be running back/free safety Jayden Griffin, who showed up and showed out last year with 1,560 yards and 21 touchdowns. At the recent “Meet the Bulldogs” scrimmage, Griffin was featured in a variety of ways, including in a read option with superior blocking from the guys up front, led by next level prospect Cade Channell.
Though there will be drastic changes at personnel, Williams has not lowered his expectations. “We played nine freshman last year due to injuries early on. There are no excuses. It’s just next man up,” he said.
A former national champion linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide and former head coach Nick Saban, Williams places a premium on defense, and thus Dora will once again be well-versed on the defensive side of the ball. An athletic secondary, a strong four-man front, and a large linebacker group featuring Faron Camp, Grayson Stephenson, and others will bolster the Bulldogs defensively. Last year, interior lineman Channell led the defensive line with 68 total tackles in only eight games, Jacoby Foster snagged two interceptions, and Griffin had 69 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. All are set to return and contribute.
Overall, Dora has what it takes to formulate an excellent season and even a playoff run. Success may breed success, but it also presents certain challenges as Williams learned from his former head coach at Alabama.
“Attack every day with enthusiasm, don’t be so result oriented as far as the outcome of games. Do all the things that lead up to it and we’ll get the results that we want. Come to work every day and have the same level of expectations for the best player as you do for someone who is not developed yet,” said Williams, speaking of the lessons learned from Saban.
Dora opens its season on Thursday, August 15, at home in a non-region game against Springville. TG
Images by Noah Godwin