SWEET WATER &8212; The quest for a fourth state championship in five years began on the practice field Monday as the Bulldog football team participated in its first spring practice. The team, which will participate in nine spring practices in addition to a spring game, will rely on contributions from new faces in key offensive spots as it looks to continue its gridiron dynasty.

The most prominent holes the team must fill are in the backfield as standouts Drew Luker and Anthony Landrum will now take their respective games to the next level. In addition to what they meant to the team in terms of productions, the pair will also create a leadership void for the Bulldogs.

While the program loses two marquis names and featured positions, Stacy is largely unconcerned with the notion his team&8217;s offense will skip a beat as a result.

He will plug senior Damarquis Williams into the lineup at the quarterback spot. The do-it-all specialist started at cornerback as an eighth grader on the 2004 state championship squad. Williams has also played multiple offensive positions during his time as a Bulldog, but none more visible than the role he will take on in 2008.

Lining up behind Williams will be a handful of players who will be featured as part of a running-back-by-committee approach. Among them will be sophomore Chris Landrum and juniors Jeremy Landrum and Johnny Lockett.

While the coaches have high hopes for each player, Lockett has already won the hearts of the Sweet Water fan base, earning the moniker &8220;The Rocket&8221; for his top-notch running speed.

While Stacy and his staff are confident the skill positions are in good hands, they are not yet certain who will fill the vacancies along an offensive front that graduated four starters.

While the offense will be looking for contributions from several new faces, the Bulldogs return eight starters on the defensive side of the ball.

Jeremy Landrum and senior Tyrice Lockett figure to anchor the defensive front. While he is comfortable with his defensive line, the Bulldog head coach believes the unit&8217;s strength will come from its linebacking corps.

All-state standout Delano Brewer, who recorded 125 tackles as a sophomore, will return to an inside linebacker slot along with senior Devin Wolf. They will team with Chris Landrum and senior Tre McIntosh to provide support to the defensive line.

While many of the names and faces may be different, Stacy Luker and his staff are confident the 2008 Bulldogs will continue adding to the championship tradition that has become Sweet Water football.