QUITMAN — There’s certainly no quit in Quitman.

The Bulldogs have certainly had their share of bad luck, but a new season is on the horizon as Bryan Oakes enters his second season as head coach.

With 17 lettermen back, along with seven starters each on offense and defense, things are looking up for Quitman.

Despite dropping 43 straight games, there is optimism at Bud Moody Stadium.

It’s easy to suit up when all things are going well, but you must admire players who go through adversity.

As Andy Dufresne wrote to Red in The Shawshank Redemption, “Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

The Bulldogs can look to the past Quitman squads of 12 playoff appearances and five district titles for inspiration.

Leading the way is quarterback/safety Josh Medlin. The 6-1, 160-pound senior returns as the leader on an offense that employs the spread.

“(Medlin) is the returning starter going into his second year in a new system,” Oakes said. “Look for a breakout year by this young man.”

Justin Blalock, a 6-1, 255-pound senior, anchors the line at center.

“Justin had a tremendous offseason and is poised to a lead a great unit,” Oakes said.

Medlin will be throwing to receiver Gavin Dewberry (6-3, 165, senior).

“(Dewberry has a) long frame with the ability to go up and get the ball,” Oakes noted.

David Tarno was a two-way starter last season at guard and defensive. The 6-0, 185-pound senior is penciled in to do the same in 2018.

The Bulldogs have six road games this season, beginning with the opener at Cumby on Aug. 31.

The home opener is Sept. 7 against Scurry-Rosser.

Quitman is in a tough District 10-3A Division II. The league is led by Harmony, along with rivals Troup, Arp and Winona.

The eight-team district will be knocking heads each night out.