There’ve been a lot of comparisons between the 1994 undefeated Spur Bulldogs, who finished the regular season at 10–0, and the current 2021 squad, which at this writing is 10–1.
In more than a quarter of a century, the 2021 team has come the closest to matching 1994’s feat.
Going undefeated is no easy task. Motley County’s head coach, Mike Bigham, coaches deep into the post-season playoffs every year, and he has had his share of trips to the state title contest, but in 16 years of coaching in Matador, this year was his first undefeated regular season. His undefeated record this year includes Spur’s single loss.
In 2018 (the first year the current Texas Spur team owned the newspaper) Spur named Tate Clark head football coach. A graduate of Rule High School and Texas Tech University, Clark was hired by SISD in 2016 as an assistant coach and promoted to head coach in 2018.
In the four years that Clark and his assistant coaches have helmed the Bulldog team, the results have been as follows:
2018: 7–3 2019: 8–2, first state quarterfinal game in nine years
2020: 3–5, Covid year (abbreviated season)
2021: 10–1 so far and headed to another regional quarterfinal game.
Covid-19 derailed everything in 2020, including Spur Bulldog football. But this year’s team was determined to put those setbacks behind them. They had the confidence and coaching to utilize the experience in a roster rich with lettermen.
Across the county line, Josh Stanaland’s Jayton Jaybirds are prepping to make their 11th trip to the state quarterfinals, a testament to the continuity and coaching of that program. They play Lorraine Friday at 7 p.m. in Trent. Speaking of the name Stanaland, Spur will
Speaking of the name Stanaland, Spur will be facing the Valley Patriots in their quarterfinal game Friday night in Ralls. The Patriots are coached by John Stanaland, brother of Josh. He was named Valley head football coach in 2019, making the jump from D-2 six-man in Rotan to D-1 six-man in Valley. This year was the first time the Patriots won their district since 2017. They are 8–3 on the year.
Whether you go to Ralls or Trent, or follow along via an internet broadcast or social media, or even if you’re not a football aficionado, we hope you’ll join us in saluting the commitment of the coaches, players, families and fans.
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