Mark Cochran began his coaching career with the Carbon Hill Bulldogs in 1995 as an assistant coach under Davey Reed. 26 years later, Cochran is back, this time as the head coach of the Bulldogs to usher-in a new era of success.
He inherits a program that has won 13 games in the past three seasons – the most wins in a three-year period since 2000-02.
“We turned the program around back in 1995 when I was first at Carbon Hill and I had a great experience, so it was wonderful to have the chance to return,” Cochran said. “We’ve got a great group of kids, they’ve worked really hard and we’re expecting some big things from them this year. There’s obviously some pressure to raise the bar to the next level of success, but the pressure comes within us – once you’re out there, it’s football and being the best that you can be.”
The leadership in the team already in place has impressed Cochran, citing QB Clay Tittle, RB Devin Daniel and his offensive and defensive lines.
“One fun aspect in coming here and working with this team is that I coached Clay’s father, Jason, who is now our offensive coordinator, when he was a senior,” Cochran said. “Clay and Devin have shown great leadership and work ethic, along with our guys on the line and we’re very excited to have them with us.”
In 2020 Tittle passed for 798 yards on 82 of 127 passes with seven touchdowns. Daniel, the leading rusher, ran for 678 yards on 113 carries with two touchdowns.
Cochran also commended the leadership of center Chug Wager, along with Aaron and Seth Woods and Carson Tingle.
Both Tittle and Daniel said the transition to Cochran went smoothly and are looking forward to taking the field.
“Obviously every coach is going to be different, my transition to coach Cochran hasn’t been hard,” Tittle said. “I’ve already formed a close bond with coach Cochran and everyone has bought-in with what he’s wanted to accomplish with the team.”
“It’s going to be really easy to do the things we need to do with coach Cochran and our coaching staff. I think it’s going to help us do things right this season,” Daniel said.
Carbon Hill opens the season with a pair of non-region contests with county rivals, first at home against Curry before traveling to Cordova. The Bulldogs’ Class 3A, Region 6 slate includes trips to Susan Moore, Holly Pond, J.B. Pennington and Tarrant, while hosting Vinemont, Oakman and Winfield. A non-region bout at home against Brilliant concludes the year.
Carbon Hill Bulldogs 2021 Schedule
8/19 7:00 PM
Curry High School
8/27 7:00 PM
at Cordova High School
9/3 7:00 PM
at Susan Moore High School
9/10 7:00 PM
Vinemont High School
9/17 7:00 PM
at Holly Pond High School
10/1 7:00 PM
at J.B. Pennington High School
10/8 7:00 PM
Oakman High School
10/15 7:00 PM
Tarrant High School
10/22 7:00 PM
at Winfield High School
10/29 7:00 PM
Brilliant High School
