LOUISA, Ky (WYMT) - We are eight days away from the start of the high school football season, and as we continue with our DQ Grill and Chill Countdown to Kickoff, we take a trip to Louisa and visit with the Lawrence County Bulldogs.

Two seasons ago the Lawrence County Bulldogs finished 9-3. Last year, the Bulldogs fell below .500 to 5-7. But, this year's team is not dwelling on the past.

"We are our own team. We don't like to look back on last year. This is a new season for us. We are going to start out good and get some good wins", said senior linebacker Blake Watson.

The Dawgs find themselves battling for position each year within their district, and with teams like Pike Central and Belfry, every year is a battle.

"You have to be determined", said senior tight end and defensive lineman Clark Rice. "You have to work hard in the weight room. You can't give up one day. You have to keep pushing. Even if you are hurt, you have to keep pushing. Especially in this district. If you take one break, you are done."

Lawrence County has always been known for their rushing attack. We can expect to see the same this year, with the offensive line looking strong.

"Without a strong line, you can have a great running back, and he wouldn't do anything without a great line. I mean, he could be, you could put Barry Sanders behind an awful line and he won't do anything," said senior center Arric Quillen.

"We are a bunch of hard workers in the backfield", stated senior running back Blake Prince. "We are doing pretty good. We are all working hard. I mean, it all starts with the O-line. I mean, without the O-line, us running back wouldn't get anywhere."

Defensively, with a group of experienced linebackers returning, the "D" should be able to keep up with the offense.

"The linebackers have put in a lot of work. In the weight room, and we did speed training. I went to Huntington for speed training to prepare for my senior year. So, our linebacker group will do pretty good this year. We'll do good things", said senior linebacker Jordan Wellman.

They call them the "Junk Yard Dawgs", and it's a mentality the team is always eager to live up to.

"We basically came up with one simple motto", said head coach Joe Cecil. "And that is to play every play like it can change the game. If we can play every play like it can change a game and play hard, that is what a 'Junk Yard Dawg' is"

The Bulldogs will begin their season on the road on Friday, August 17th as they take on Ashland.