In Year of the Dog, sports reporter Kurt Voigt takes us inside the turbulent and emotionally charged world of Arkansas high school football as the Springdale Bulldogs make their thrilling run at the 2005 state title. Dubbed the “Superteam” by Arkansas newspapers, the Bulldogs are under intense media pressure to fulfill the expectations of fans, families, and alumni, and Voigt explores how the players and coaches deal with the scrutiny as the championship gets nearer and national attention turns their way.
Like any good story, Year of the Dog is a tale of personalities. Among them, there’s legendary coach Gus Malzahn (“If you wanted to talk football, he’d talk football. If you wanted to talk politics, he’d talk football.”) . . . 300 lb. tackle Bartley Webb, hoping to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for Notre Dame. . . Mitch Mustain, the nation’s #1 high school quarterback, scouted by the top college teams since junior high and already a pro behind the mike.
On the team bus, in closed-door meetings, after games . . . Year of the Dog is your locker-room pass to go behind the scenes with one special football team during its once-in-a-generation season.