(Marion) — The Marion Bulldogs are hard at work preparing for the 2022 high school football season. The Bulldogs are coming off a 7-4 season that saw them advance to the UIL playoffs. Marion Head Coach Ryne Miller will have a couple of weapons who had big junior seasons last year at his disposal again this year. Leading rusher Aidan Rios and top receiver Dominic Castellanos are back to lead the offense and Miller says both players have put in big off-season’s and he’s excited to see them play as seniors.
“Rios does a great job in the backfield. He’s kind of a power runner (and) he’s put on some weight this year and gotten faster. Dom is always the most exciting player on the field whether it’s offense, defense or special teams. So those two bring a lot of dynamics to the offense and make it fun to watch and (it’s) obviously fun to coach those guys.”
Both Rios and Castellanos will represent Marion in the Blue Gray All-American Game in Arlington in December and Miller says they bring a great work ethic to practice and in the weight room. The duo will join Senior quarterback Dillon Sanchez to lead the Bulldog attack.
On the defensive side of the ball, All-District selection and linebacker of the year in 2021 Kross Kelso returns for the Bulldogs. Miller calls the senior a throwback player.
“He’s one of those guys that stands out. He’s 6’2” (and) 250 pounds and he looks the part. He’s just that old school football guy that just loves it. He loves the grind. He loves the physicality part of it. He loves the big hits and of course he’s very football savvy with a very high IQ. He’s fun to coach. He’s got that defensive mentality and we expect big things from him this season.”
Marion has 37 players on the varsity roster and Miller says they’ve been working hard in the offseason. He says the Bulldogs are excited to have a big 2022 season.
Marion Bulldogs
2021 record: 7-4 (3-3 in district) Class 3A Division I first round
Coach: Ryne Miller (5th season)
District: 13-3A
Schedule
Aug. 26 vs. Hondo
Sept. 2 vs. Natalia *Broadcast on KWED and SeguinToday.com*
Sept. 9 at Gonzales
Sept. 16 vs. Karnes City
Sept. 23 at Randolph
Sept. 30 OPEN
Oct. 7 vs. Blanco
Oct. 14 at Llano
Oct. 21 vs. Ingram
Oct. 28 at Cole
Nov. 4 vs. Lulling