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Schedule ‘toughest ever’ for Martinsburg

Bulldogs head coach Dave Walker says his team’s 2013 slate is probably the toughest they’ve ever played.

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — It’s been well-noted, and will certainly be talked about for the entire upcoming high school football season – Martinsburg and head coach Dave Walker will be going for their fourth straight Class AAA state championship in 2013, something no other program has done in the state.

Walker, a guest on Monday’s MetroNews Statewide Sportsline, however, prefers not to delve too deep into whether this year’s team can accomplish that feat.

“We don’t talk about it,” Walker said. “I’ve not mentioned it to the team. I know the kids will talk about it a little bit, but we (coaches) don’t talk about it. Our goal is to try to get better every day and every week. Last year’s team is last year. So, every year is a different year and a different team.”

Classic coach’s speak – and probably the right thing to say. But whether Walker’s players ultimately talk about it or not, there’s no doubt they are fully aware the significance a fourth-straight state title would be.

“It’s probably the toughest schedule we’ve ever played. We could have a great team and not win near as many games because of that schedule. Our out of state opponents are really tough and Morgantown is probably going to have the best team they’ve had in years.” – Dave Walker

“As long as you work hard and do the things you’re supposed to do, the other things will take care of themselves,” Walker said. “We don’t sit down and talk about what will happen December. We talk about what will happen today and then tomorrow – we feel if we do that, and do it right, the days add up and we can be a pretty good football team.”

The Bulldogs certainly have been ‘pretty good’ of late. But, what Walker already has been able to do with his program is much more significant than the veteran head coach will let on.

“I think the last few years, our kids really have taken another step in what they do,” Walker said. “I’ve pretty fortunate, though, and I have some great coaches with me who have been with me a long time. There’s a lot of consistency there and I’ve been pretty fortunate to have some great kids to work with.”

This year, the Bulldogs will be tested right out of the gate with four out of state matchups against H.D. Woodson (D.C), Sherando (Va.), State College (Pa.) and Tuscarora (Va.). The first instate matchup comes September 27th against perennial contender Morgantown.

“It’s probably the toughest schedule we’ve ever played,” Walker said. “We could have a great team and not win near as many games because of that schedule. Our out of state opponents are really tough and Morgantown is probably going to have the best team they’ve had in years. It presents a big challenge, but the better teams you play will prepare you from the postseason – we won’t shy away from that.”

You can watch the complete interview with Walker above.





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