The Return of the Dark Side: Bulldog Defense Holds Security for Championship Hopes

 BSU's Terence Peete leads the Bulldogs' defense. Photo courtesy of Jovan Bland. 

By Jovan Bland

Another win tallied to the Bulldogs record only further excites the students and alumni hoping for a championship run. The Bulldogs have been working relentlessly this year, receiving national honors for multiple players and gaining respect from national polls week in and week out.

As the season's end draws near, the chances of clenching a CIAA conference title and earning a right to play the top teams in the nation become more probable for Bowie State. Over the course of the 2009 season, the fans have given most of the glory to the Bulldogs' offense. Rightfully so, the offense has done a great job in racking up points for BSU this year. In the midst of all the hoopla however, there seems to be little attention given to the unstoppable Bulldog defense.

Serving as team captain and starting Safety for the Bowie defense, Terence Peete set out to make it clear that the Bowie State Bulldogs are taking all challenges for the title of top ranked team and defense. Peete heads a defensive squad that has held tradition for being one of the most aggressive team of athletes in Division II competition.  2009 has been a year of endless struggle for opposing teams who have attempted to test our beloved Bulldogs. And according to Terence Peete, the work continues - welcome to the Dark Side...

The Spectrum: You guys had a great win for homecoming this past week. How does it feel to win your homecoming for the first time in a few years?

Peete: The homecoming win was great. It's good to see our hard work of practice paid off.

The Spectrum: A lot of spectators give credit to the running game and special teams for the Bulldogs success this year - What about the Darkside?

Peete: We are a team and our motto 4 this year is united we stand and if the spectators give credit to the offense and special teams, that's fine - as long as we win.

The Spectrum: Well it's no secret Bowie State has always hosted an aggressive defense. What goals have you and the defensive personnel set out to achieve this year? Have you achieved any of these goals?

Peete: Our goal is to be called #1 and we are in the conference. Now we just have to get there in the nation - we are ranked #3

 The Spectrum: It seems like teams don't realize how tough the Bulldog Defense is until they face it. What are you doing to prepare for Virginia Union this weekend?

Peete: Yeah, we have never been respected by players or coaches in the conference. So we pride ourselves on taking it when we step on the field; along with the opposing teams will to win. But we're going to keep getting after it like we have been for the past few weeks.

The Spectrum: If the two remaining games become victories, we can bet on a championship run. This fact alone must ignite a flame in the hearts of you and your teammates. Are you ready?

Peete: Yeah, one win is all we need and we're in - the CIAA championship that is. And to know that if we win the last game against state we can go to the d2 playoffs - it's crazy but its real so we gotta stay focused and keep our eyes on the prize.

The Spectrum: You said before that in order to get to the championship road, you MUST go through the DEFENSE. So what do you have to say to the teams in the conference and the nation who wait to face the Bulldogs D?

Peete: I'm not big on trash talking so I don't. I let the numbers speak for themselves. If you want to be #1 you have to go through us; not around but through and nobody said being #1 would be easy...we know it's not that's why we go out and show it on Saturdays.