Game-like atmosphere helps Bulldogs improve

Published 5:00 pm Friday, July 13, 2018

LIVE OAK, Fla. — With the start of the season about a month away, Suwannee offensive coordinator Mike Braun wanted to change things up a bit to help give the Bulldogs a more realistic football experience.

So for Suwannee’s 7-on-7 workout against Lafayette on Tuesday, there was a little twist. Instead of running every play from the same spot in typical 7v7 fashion, both teams started each drive on their own 30-yard. They were given eight plays to go down the field — moving forward with each completion — and try and go 70 yards to reach the end zone.

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“We’re on the back side of the summer plan. It’s time to start getting more game situations,” Braun said. “It felt like we had more of an opportunity to get better today.”

For Suwannee, which looked a little flat in its last 7v7 outing, the change of pace helped. The Bulldogs were able to run some different plays depending on field position. They went up-tempo at times and also huddled, and worked both long and short routes.

Missing some key players, Suwannee also had the chance to work in some younger players.

“Today was fresher. Guys got there legs back after Fourth of July,” said Braun. “We’ve still got some questions at positions. We’re trying to answer those questions as best we can without pads on.

“We answered some questions questions today.”

Suave White had a big day on both sides of the ball, breaking up two passes and coming up with an interception. He also lined up a wide receiver and caught six passes. Antonio White worked some nice routes to finish with four catches.

All together, the Bulldogs ran seven drives and 56 plays. Suwannee’s longest play was a 45-yard touchdown when Tyree Taylor threw a nice pass to hit Jaquez Moore in stride.