The Fontainebleau Bulldogs open the season tonight hosting the Biloxi High Indians. Kick off at the Dawg Pound is set for 7 o’clock. The two clubs opened the season last year with the Bulldogs taking a convincing 33-7 road victory, which turned out to be FHS’ lone victory.

The Bulldogs dropped a 24-0 contest to the Brother Martin Crusaders last week at home in the Rusty Brauner Jamboree.

The Bulldogs struggled offensively, especially in the first half. Junior quarterback Conner Smith went 3-of-7 for just 27 yards through the air, while the Bulldogs’ running game struggled to get on track against a tough Brother Martin defense.

Fontainebleau defenders Blair Butler (39) and Randy Sherman (18) wrap up Brother Martin Crusaders’ running back Donte Butler during Friday night’s Rusty Brauner Jamboree held at the Dawg Pound. (File Photo by Gwen Ladner)

Senior Ryan Brooks caught two passes for 11 yards, while James Kinter had one reception for 16 yards, which was the Bulldogs’ longest play from scrimmage. The Bulldogs rushed for negative yardage with Tanner Brignac managing just six yards on four carries as the Bulldogs’ offense was stymied all evening.

The FHS defense spent a lot of time on the field in last week’s jamboree. The Bulldogs surrendered 177 yards rushing, but limited Brother Martin to just 26 yards through the air on just three pass completions in 10 attempts.

Brother Martin’s Donte Butler cruised his way to 115 yards on just 11 carries with three touchdowns in just one half to keep the Bulldogs’ defense on its heels.

Fontainebleau second-year coach Mike Materne said he and his staff made some moves during practice.

“We have moved some kids around along the offensive line and hopefully they will be able to step up so we can move the ball. We have struggled offensively and hopefully these changes will enable us to find some rhythm,” Materne said.

Materne said he is looking for his players to step it up and to concentrate on remaining focused.

Materne talked about Biloxi High having an advantage since they have already played a regular season game.

“They have a game under their belt and that should be an advantage for them. They have a big quarterback (Hawtin Buchanan, 6-8, 240) who throws the ball well. Their running backs have good speed and are strong in the return game as well. We will have our hands full,” Materne added.

Biloxi head coach John Shannon is in his first-year with the Indians. Biloxi has 16 seniors on its roster.

The Indians run a one-back multiple offense led by senior quarterback Hawtin Buchanan with senior running back Travoris Robinson (5-10, 200) and sophomore Trevaris McCormick (5-9, 170) carrying the load offensively. Senior left offensive tackle Derek Whitfield (6-2, 270) will be counted on to help open the holes.

The Indians’ season opener scheduled for two weeks ago was cancelled when a player and a team manager came down with the chicken pox, which forced the cancellation.

Biloxi defeated St. Martin 27-7 in their opener last Friday with Buchanan leading the way going 8-of-12 for 178 yards including a 79-yard TD toss to sophomore Scott Austin. Robinson and McCormick combined for over 100 yards on the ground to help lead the Indians’ attack.

Shannon said the teams have exchanged film.

“As a coach, I try to compare strengths and weaknesses, trying to go after and exploit their weaknesses,” Shannon said.

“I know they came over here last year and beat us soundly. They appear to be well coached and have a couple good defensive players especially their nose guard No. 52 (Pat White). He does a good job and is very active on the inside. We will have to pay attention to him,” Shannon said.

“They have aggressive linebackers so we will also have to account for them’ Shannon added.

Defensively, the Indians run a 4-3 scheme led by senior linebacker Drew Hopkins (5-11, 200) defensive team captain and senior lineman Xavier Graham (6-1, 230). The Indians’ secondary is led by junior free safety Cody Brown (5-10, 170).