CREIGHTON, Neb. (KTIV) -- -
The Creighton Bulldogs fell in heartbreaking fashion in last years Class D1 semifinals, losing to Guardian Angels Central Catholic, 34-28. But getting into the Nebraska playoffs has become the standard for Creighton.
"Success has become something that has become a very consistent, traditional thing for us," said Creighton head coach Jeff Jensen. "We turned a corner years ago and each year we're battling for that championship."
For ten consecutive years, Creighton has gone on to the postseason. But the Bulldogs want more. Last season, Creighton was one game away from playing in the state championship. This season, the 'Dogs want to leave no doubt.
"It doesn't matter if you're running a drill, whether you're running a wind sprint, you have to finish things and when it comes to game time, you've got to finish," added Jensen. "We've kind of left the door open these last few years and this year we're focused on finishing."
And the Bulldogs are sprinkling in some fun along the way. It's been catching on around the football world, calling in plays from the sidelines by holding up posters. Coach Jenson and the Bulldogs are doing the same.
"In a way it adds a little bit of a twist, just like a different formation that you come up with every once in awhile," said Jensen. "It kind of breaks the routine out of things every now and then."
It's a coaching tactic that the players enjoy.
"The cards just tell us our assignments or what we're supposed to do and it's pretty easy," said senior Cole Thomas.
"They're pretty bad but they get the picture across," said senior Andrew Eggerling.
When it's all said and done, instead of holding up some unique drawings, Creighton looks to lift up a state championship trophy.
The Bulldogs open the season when they host Clearwater-Orchard next Thursday.
Creighton was one win away from playing in the D1 state championship game in 2011.
