Despite coaching change, Priceville using same formula for success

Jul. 23—PRICEVILLE — It's a new era for Priceville football.

The Bulldogs are preparing to enter their first season under new head coach Austin Burke, who was promoted to replace Seth Parker in January after Parker took the head coaching job at Bob Jones.

Burke came with Parker in 2024 to be his defensive coordinator and was a key piece last year in helping the Bulldogs go 8-4 and upset No. 8 Guntersville in the playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Moody. That season of success didn't come without growing pains, however, as the Bulldogs went 2-8 in 2024 while navigating their first season after moving up from Class 4A to Class 5A.

Having been at Priceville as an assistant, Burke hopes to maintain the trend of improvement.

"That's my hope. We've kept a lot of things the same with the scheme and in the weight room," Burke said. "I feel like we've done a good job of instilling a foundation here. My first year we struggled with kids missing practices or a workout the day after we had a hard day, and last year it was completely the opposite. It's been the same way this offseason.

"There's an expectation and a standard here. We've been 2-8. We know what that feels like, and we know the work it takes to have success like we did last year."

Speaking of expectations, no matter who the head coach at Priceville is there's always an expectation of the Bulldogs doing one thing; running the football.

Zach Linley, who has served as Priceville's offensive coordinator the last two seasons, is taking over the play-calling duties that were filled by Parker, while Burke will continue to call the defense in addition to his duties as head coach.

Priceville returns running backs Colton Madewell and Zavion Camel this season as well as Jack Eubanks at quarterback who was a significant rushing threat. The Bulldogs also return three starters along the offensive line and several on the defense's front seven.

Burke said you can still expect the same physical Priceville team on both sides of the ball.

"It's always going to be run the ball around here," Burke said. "We always have a great group of strong guys up front so why wouldn't you try to be the most physical team you can be."

That physicality will be desperately needed this season.

Priceville has dropped to Class 4A this year after the AHSAA contracted from seven classifications to six. But while the Bulldogs may technically be in a lower class, Burke said their schedule, which features teams like West Morgan, Deshler and Hamilton, will be just as grueling.

"Playing in 5A the last two years isn't going to be what saves us. Just because you're playing teams with bigger numbers doesn't necessarily mean better," Burke said. "We were in a tough region in 5A but I'd argue we're in an even tougher one now. Seven teams in our region were in the playoffs last year and three had 10 or more wins. Our schedule is going to be a bloodbath every week, a physical brand of football and we're going to have to bring our best each game."

— caleb.suggs@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2