Countdown to Kickoff (Edition 27): Van Bulldogs showing grit ahead of 2024 campaign

VAN, W.Va. (WCHS) — Head coach Mark Agosti narrowed the 2024 Van Bulldogs' team dynamic down to a single word.

“They’re gritty,” Agnosti said. “One thing about these kids, they might not be the fastest kid on the field or the strongest kid, but these kids are gritty."

Quarterback Mark Meadows said this year’s squad shows promise.

“I’m just fired up to get out and play,” Meadows said. “I see that we have talent. I think we can go out there, win games, do what we need to do and take care of business.”

Van finished 2-8 last fall which was a big drop off from a 10-1 campaign the year before. This year’s team hopes to right the ship.

“They will give you everything they have,” Agosti said. “As a coach, that's all you can ask. They're going to give you 100% whistle-to-whistle whether they win or lose."

The Bulldogs were young last year and they believe that experience will pay off this season.

"We're a little farther along this year than last year,” Agosti explained. “We’ve got most of them returning, so there’s a learning curve for them freshman last year. They're a little ahead of the game this year. I like what I see so far as far as our team.”

Coach Agosti said the biggest difference this season is a new look on offense.

“We're going to run pretty much a pro set with twins look, some trips looks. We're on some under center. We'll have some shotgun formations out of it, too,” Agosti said. “I've always ran the single wing and it just doesn’t fit what we've got this year."

Senior lineman Dalton Kessinger is enjoying the updated playbook.

“I love it. I love having new offense,” he said. “We figured out last year it works way better than what we were doing.”

One thing to keep an eye on with a new offense is the play of the offensive line. Last year they were a strength for the Bulldogs.

“Actually it's kind of reversed this year. Our backfield and our skills will be more the strength.” Agosti said. “We'll have some younger kids that'll have to step up for us. We don't have a lot of depth up front.”

The quarterback-center exchange is vital. Summer drills have focused on a smooth transition to the Bulldogs’ second-year starter under center.

“He’s been trying to do stuff like get it to me faster or seeing how it’ll fit in my hands” Meadows said of his center. “He’s been working on that and it’s been working efficiently.”

Van will begin the season at home with a contest against Meadow Bridge on Friday, Aug. 30.