Winslow Bulldogs open season at Blue Ridge Aug. 23

WINSLOW, Ariz. — The Winslow Bulldogs open the 2019 season against the Blue Ridge Yellowjackets at Lakeside Aug. 23.

Both were playoff teams last year and expect to be again this season. As members of the tough 3A East Region, getting to the postseason will not be an easy task.

After their first game, the Bulldogs will host the Monument Valley Mustangs while the Yellowjackets host the Alchesay Falcons. Both are likely favored to protect their home field. Both face tougher challenges in their third games with Winslow hosting the Page Sand Devils and Blue Ridge hosting a tough St. John’s eleven.

The season opener is an important game for both the Bulldogs and the Yellowjackets. Both are coming off good regular and playoff seasons and have plenty of returning quality players.

A win on the road could make the Bulldogs a favorite to finish highly and even win the tough 3A East Region. It could be devastating for the Yellowjackets to lose that crucial game at home.

It isn’t often that the first game of the season is the most important one in a playoff quality team’s schedule but this game probably is that vital. The state champion may be playing in this game and the winner determined in this, the first game of the season. You can be sure both coaches view it as important.