Boynton Beach Bulldogs football and cheer is back after 10 years

The Boynton Beach Bulldogs Football and Cheer program returned to the field for the first time in over a decade as it recently kicked off the 2021 season in the American Youth Football League.

The Bulldogs organization had transitioned to the East Boynton Wildcats program during the last decade while playing in the Florida Youth Football League.

After the 2019 season, it rebranded back to the Bulldogs and joined the American Youth Football League. The Bulldogs youth tackle football and cheer program introduced a logo and uniforms and brought back the color scheme of black and red.

Rodney Atwaters, who serves as president of the Boynton Beach Bulldogs, recognized all parents, coaches, players and volunteers as well as the city of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department, City Commissioner Woodrow Hay, The Bill Tome Foundation for Kids and Families and all sponsors and community officials and members for their support.

“The community has really embraced the return of the Bulldogs,” he said. “We have parents who played for the Bulldogs and they have brought their kids back into the program.”

After the 2020 campaign was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bulldogs were back in action Aug. 14 as it delivered a strong performance in the season opener on the road at West Pembroke Pines.

Tristian Dexter had a standout performance to lead the Bulldogs 6U squad to a 13-0 victory in the opening contest. He rushed for a 70-yard touchdown and added a 20-yard score to lift the offense.

The Bulldogs 9U group made a statement on the gridiron with a 42-0 victory. Braylen Austin was a top performer on the field with a 50-yard touchdown run.

The Bulldogs 10U team had a 34-0 victory in the season opener. Brett Boston stepped up with a 50-yard kickoff return for a score and also tossed a 60-yard touchdown pass. Isaiah Hamilton rushed for a 40-yard score while Deon Patrick had a 45-yard touchdown pass. Byron Anderson led the defense with a team-high 10 tackles.

The Bulldogs 11U squad cruised to a 31-6 victory to begin the season. Terrell Howard made an impact on the field and had an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Bulldogs 12U team also started the season with a 27-13 victory. Kymari Walcott passed for two touchdowns and Larry Austin had two touchdown catches to lead the offense.

The Bulldogs, based out of Ezell Hester Jr. Community Park in Boynton Beach, will host the Delray Rocks to close the month of August. They will travel to play the Tamarac Cougars to open the month of September before hosting two consecutive games against the Pompano Eagles and the Lauderhill Broncos. The Bulldogs will visit the Sunrise Hurricanes to finish the month of September and host games during the first two weeks of October against the Miramar Wolverines and the Cooper City/Davie Colts. They will travel the following week to square off against the Coral Springs Chargers before returning home for the regular-season finale against Pembroke Pines Optimist on Oct. 23. The Bulldogs will look to qualify to compete in the playoffs in the American Youth Football League.

The Boynton Beach Bulldogs program had an impressive turnout with over 300 participants for the 2021 season. The Lady Bulldogs cheerleading program also has made its presence felt while participating at youth tackle football games and entering competitions.