MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Military College Bulldogs start their season at home against Jireh Prep. Week two they travel to face the top team in the country, Iowa Western.
The team has the biggest roster it has ever had at 155 players. Head Coach Rob Manchester is entering his fourth year as top dog. He says it’s special to have 95% of the team be from the Peach State.
“I played a bunch of them in high school, so it's like we grow together as brothers… it's like a family,” starting quarterback Chip Cooper said.
Many players choose a junior college for a shot at a bigger stage.
"A platform to be able to get more film and then hopefully go to vision one after us,” Coach Manchester said. “So think it just allows us to get so many more young men in here that normally we wouldn't have a chance to get but because of the portal, we're able to provide an opportunity.”
For one player, they say the program is trying to prepare them to become the best of the best.
“It helps you get better like it helps you work on your development and like your craft and your work. So it helps you get better, so you be ready for the next level,” linebacker and Northside alum Jarris Coney said.
The Bulldogs play their season opener at 1 p.m. at the Historic Davenport Stadium in Milledgeville.
Cooper says he's focusing on the vital connections the Bulldogs need to be successful.
“This season, we have a lot of new incoming freshmen, so I'm having to get to know them, make chemistry my receivers, my running backs, my offensive line, and hopefully can beat Jireh Prep,” Cooper said.
GMC will be hosting its “Meet Your Bulldogs Community Pep Rally” Thursday, Aug. 20. The event will be held at the South Bricks and Historic Davenport Field from 5-7 p.m.