The Citadel: A Rising Force in the SoCon

The Citadel's football team is making waves in the Southern Conference, and their recent game against Western Carolina shows just how far they've come. Sure, they lost 45-38, but that score doesn't tell the whole story. The Bulldogs are no longer the same team they were three years ago when they went winless. Now, they're a squad with heart, resilience, and a clear direction.

A Coach with a Vision

The Citadel's head coach, Maurice Drayton, has been working tirelessly to turn the program around. He's not one to sugarcoat things. After the loss to Western Carolina, he made it clear that he's not satisfied with just improving—he wants to win now. Drayton knows the team is getting better, but he's focused on the bigger picture: becoming a top-tier program in the SoCon.

The Power of Resilience

The Bulldogs' resilience is a big part of their success. Players like linebacker Mikey Rosa have noticed a huge difference in the team's leadership and camaraderie. It's not just about talent; it's about coming together as a unit and pushing each other to be better. This mindset shift has been crucial in their development.

A Wake-Up Call

One of the turning points for the team was a tough 38-0 loss to Mercer earlier in the season. Quarterback Quentin Hayes admitted that game was a wake-up call. It showed them that they needed to back up their words with actions. Since then, the team has grown, with more leaders stepping up and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Journey Ahead

Drayton compares the team's progress to moving through different levels of a course. Right now, they're at a 201 level, but he wants them to reach a 300 level—where they can compete with the best in the conference. He's determined to find every hidden door and get it corrected. The Bulldogs might not be there yet, but they're definitely on the right track.