Can the Carl Junction Bulldogs win the district championship?

Yes, the Carl Junction Bulldogs are determined to win the district championship, which would be the program's first in over 20 years. They have learned from their past experiences and are focused on playing tough, hard-nosed football to avenge their regular-season loss to West Plains High School.

How has the Carl Junction High School football team's season progressed?

After a disappointing 1-8 regular season in 2023, the Carl Junction Bulldogs made an unexpected postseason run, reaching the district championship game. This year, the team has continued to improve, going 7-4 and earning a rematch with West Plains High School in the district title game.

Who are the key players for the Carl Junction Bulldogs?

The Bulldogs are led by senior offensive linemen Gavin Beachner and Blake Starks, who were starters on the 2023 team that reached the district final. Additionally, senior running back Marcus Lopez-Durman has been a driving force in the team's rushing attack, which has been a key factor in their success.

Home / Sports / Underdog Carl Junction High School Chases Historic District Title

Underdog Carl Junction High School Chases Historic District Title

14 Nov

•

Summary

Carl Junction High School in second district championship in 3 seasons
Team overcame 1-8 regular season record to reach district title game in 2023
Seeking first district championship in over 20 years

Underdog Carl Junction High School Chases Historic District Title

Two years ago, the Carl Junction High School football team made an unexpected postseason run, reaching the district championship game despite a 1-8 regular season record. Now, the Bulldogs are back in the district title game, seeking to end a 20-year drought and capture the championship.

Under head coach Todd Hafner, Carl Junction has continued to improve, going 7-4 this season and earning a rematch with West Plains High School, who they lost to 37-30 in the regular season. The Bulldogs are led by senior offensive linemen Gavin Beachner and Blake Starks, who were starters on the 2023 team that shocked everyone by advancing to the district final.

This year's Carl Junction squad has learned from its past experiences, finding a winning formula of tough, hard-nosed football on both offense and defense. The team's rushing attack, led by senior running back Marcus Lopez-Durman, has been a key factor, with the Bulldogs racking up over 300 yards on the ground in the first round of the playoffs and over 400 yards last week.