Eleven players were named to the Big 8 all-conference teams.  Seniors Zak Porath and Seth Hackney were first-teamers on both sides of the ball.  Porath received honors for his play at running back (1,742 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns) as well as defensive back (5 interceptions, 55 tackles, 1 fumble recovery).  Hackney was named to both the offensive line and defensive line first teams, aiding the running game of Porath with his blocking skills as well as recording 57 tackles, 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.

Junior Austin Osborn was also recognized for his outstanding blocking and offensive line play, being named First Team Offensive Lineman with Hackney.

Big 8 All-Conference

 First Team

Zak Porath, Running Back

Seth Hackney, Offensive Line

Austin Osborn, Offensive Line

Aaron Cervin, Linebacker

Hank DePriest, Defensive End

Zak Porath, Defensive Back

Seth Hackney, Defensive Line

Second Team

Joey Braeckel, Receiver

Zak Porath, Punter

Jordan Carden, Kicker

Joey Braeckel, Defensive Back

Honorable Mention

Dakota Allen, Receiver

Brandon Hunter, Offensive Guard

Levi Maggard, Linebacker

Offensive Player of the Year

Zak Porath

Big 8 Coach of the Year

Bret Gosch

Receiving All-Big 8 Second Team honors were junior Joey Braeckel (at both Receiver and Defensive Back), Porath (Punter) and senior Jordan Carden (Kicker).

Honorable Mention went to Receiver Dakota Allen (SR), Offensive Guard Brandon Hunter (JR) and Linebacker Levi Maggard (SOPH).

Coach Gosch gave thanks to the parents when speaking of the team's remarkable turnaround from last season's 2-8 performance.  Among the team's 8 wins in 2007 were six Big 8 Conference wins that catapulted the Bulldogs into a three-way tie for the league title.

"Your expectations and support made your sons believe they CAN DO IT!" Coach Gosch exclaimed, quoting a team motto from throughout the season.  "As expectations raised, so did the level of their performances."

Team Awards

"Bulldog Award"

   Zak Porath

"Offensive MVP"

   Zak Porath

"Defensive MVP"

   Aaron Cervin

"Special Teams MVP"

   Jordan Carden

"Lineman of the Year"

   Seth Hackney

"Coaches' Award"

   Daniel Turcotte

   (improvement over 4 yrs)

"Big Dog Leadership Award"

   Cade Gosch

   (showing exceptional leadership)

"Angry Dog Award"

   Hank DePriest

   (most aggressive player)

"Manager of the Year Award"

   Lauren Aton

   (most dedicated to success)

Sometimes, the team's relationship was like that of brothers, with occasional "brother fighting brother," but then the attitude of "no one messes with my brother."

"They stayed together, perhaps sometimes hurting another's feelings on the practice field but leaving it there."

"Most importantly, they learned about leadership and what it takes to be a success in life."

Coach Gosch closed with more compliments for these young men that he led for the last several years.

"The staff and I cannot express enough how proud we are of your sons and what they accomplished this season.  I do know this was a season that we will never forget and we feel very proud to have been a part of."

Special thanks to:

Coaches' Wives: Carin Gosch, Dory Dennis, Sherri Carter, Amanda Hill, Sara Wall, Teresa Robertson, Amber Hulstine

Assistant Coaches: Jesse Wall, Steve Dennis, Roger Carter, Mark Robertson, Nathan Hulstine, Brady Hill

Junior High Staff: Flave Darnell, Greg Campbell, Greg Thompson, Austin Rhodes, Josh Bolinger, Brady Graham

End Zone / Filmer: Greg Campbell, Matt Houston

Office Secretaries: Debbie Guttenfelder, Amy Graskemper

Administration

Maintenance Staff

School District

Carl Junction Community

Athletic Trainer: Christy Pittman

Preparation of food for road trips:  Sue Anderson and students

Those responsible for "Thursday Night Feeds"

All Sponsors

Sign Design and Michelle Ferson for cjbulldogs.com sign

Steve Currance & Joplin Lawn and Garden for the Gator

Contractors Equipment Rental for use of the lift

cjbulldogs.com website: Lance Adams

Statistics: Bob Hayes, Bruce Thompson, John Kane

Chain Crew: Mike Snyder, Dave Clemons, Greg McCoy, Gary Haralson

The assistant coaches, players, fans and community want to also say thank you to Coach Gosch for his leadership, passion and commitment to this program, school and community.

Congratulations Coach Gosch and the 2007 Bulldogs on your Big 8 Conference Tri-Championship and outstanding season!