Bulldogs are 'over the hump'

Sometimes the measure of success in football isn't about the wins and losses. After years of trying to instill a belief system at Judge Memorial, the hard work seems to be paying off for coach James Cordova.

"The Judge football program is back," he said. "I'm happy to be over the hump."

After a 9-3 season and a quarterfinal appearance in the Class 3A playoffs, Cordova is proud of his team's season and hopeful about building for next year.

"We had some great kids and some outstanding leaders," Cordova said. "Hopefully, we've set ourselves up for the future."

This season, the Bulldogs finished runner-up to Park City in Region 10 and reached the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1993. The school recently revamped its football facilities. McCarthey Stadium was dedicated during the season, upgrading everything from the bleachers to the goal posts to the new sports turf that replaced the old grass field.

A team that was mired by inconsistent play and uneventful seasons was also unveiled. Led by a hawking defense, the Bulldogs gridiron team has made a comeback. The D's front four played a tough and physical brand of football. The Bulldogs pitched two shutouts this season, holding both Woods Cross and Uintah scoreless.

Through 12 games, the Bulldogs' defense ranked fifth in 3A, allowing less than 13 points per game. In their quarterfinal game with Bear River, Judge held the eventual 3A champions to just six points in the first half. The experienced Bears would eventually storm back to win the contest, 20-14.

Regardless of the defeat, Cordova says this team has a lot to be proud of. "I think it was a great team effort. Everybody was committed to the team," the 1988 Judge graduate said.

Linebacker Cort Dennison was a huge part of the Bulldogs' defense. The senior had a nose for the ball. His play set the tone for their shutdown defense.

Dennison was also part of the action on offense. The 6-foot-2 tight end caught 35 balls for 1,002 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Along with quarterback Jaxon Myaer and running back Domonique Parker, these three seniors registered 46 of the team's 57 touchdowns. The bruising Parker rushed for nine touchdowns and 1,161 yards. At times, the 210-pound senior was very effective with his punishing style of running, averaging slightly more than five yards per carry.