Last year North Bend came four points short of a storybook upset of No. 1 Sisters in the state quarterfinals to end the season. Ironically, the team’s postseason quest began with a playoff-clinching victory over Douglas during the regular season — a Douglas team being coached by Rick Taylor.

Hey, if you can’t beat ’em, you might as well join ’em.

Now Taylor has left Douglas to take control of a Bulldogs program where expectations are high, since the team has made the playoffs the past six years running.

Taylor’s brought with him a staunch belief in the triple-option, with some wing-T components for his offense. He spent the first two weeks of practice working through endless repetitions of the new offensive look, which differs in some crucial ways to the straight wing-T formation favored by former Bulldogs coach Bill Masei (see sidebar on Page 12).

“They seem to be taking to it pretty well. I’ve got to make sure it’s successful so they buy in,” said Taylor last week.

Many of the line blocking schemes for the two offenses are the same, and Taylor has inherited a solid front line about which he has to be happy. On the offensive side, a host of seniors will shore up the front: the 6-foot-3-inch, 240-pound Justin Tobey, a second-team selection in the Far West last year; Brandon Huber, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs in at 280, an honorable mention last year; the 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pound Phil Boateng; and the massive Trae Collins, at 6-foot-7-inches and 251 pounds. Six-foot-2, 195-pound senior Pete Chaney is also expected to be an important part of the front line.

“We’re going to be a good, strong line,” said Tobey.

With that big line up front, the Bulldogs hope to be able to move the ball effortlessly on the ground once they adjust to the new offense.

Against Marshfield in the season-opening Civil War game last week, junior Cameron Seiger showed explosive speed after the handoff, and senior fullback Shane Halford exhibited solid blocking and hard-nosed running up the middle, as well as some breakaway speed. Sophomores Jake Lucero and Cody Harden will add some young blood to the running corps as well.

“We’re definitely fast,” said Halford.

Taylor went with Tyler Goode at quarterback against Marshfield, and the senior threw for a touchdown and an interception. It’s possible junior Dalton Iveans may take some snaps this season as well, said Taylor.

Early on, it’s looking like Goode’s favorite receivers could be senior Seth Johnson — he caught a touchdown pass against Marshfield — or senior Skyler Walton. Senior tight end Eric Sanne could be another option.

Senior Bryce Weidman, a starting tight end from last year, also returns to the offense.

But the Bulldogs look particularly nasty on defense.

Tobey, Huber and Boeteng are all returning defensive line starters from last year as well, where Tobey earned a second-team nod.

Pete Chaney, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior, looks pretty tough at linebacker. Seiger, Lucero and Halford can also wreak havoc from the linebacker position.

“Our defense is going to be big,” said Chaney. “We’re going to play tough, strong and physical.”

Defensive back Iveans was brutal against the Pirates, breaking up passes with hard hits and showing good coverage down the field. Likewise Walton looks to be a reliable defensive back, as he picked off a pass Friday. Goode and Johnson will likely round out the defensive back unit nicely.

The combination of veterans and new players ready to step up has hopes high for the Bulldogs, despite opening the season with a 31-9 loss to Marshfield. Some of the leaders of the team are expecting to be at the top of the Far West League and make a run into the state playoffs.

“I think for sure we can get the league title,” said Boateng. “We still have a lot to work on, but we’re bonding. I think we have a lot of hidden talent.”

“I think it’s going to be between us and Siuslaw (for the league title),” added Huber.

And there’s no question about one thing; Taylor has been a big hit with the team, with his approach of bonding with kids and giving personal attention.

“He’s just a great guy,” said Halford. “He’s already helped me out with so much this year.”

Taylor was quick to point out that the feeling’s mutual.

“This is a great group of kids,” he said. “I’m just really happy with how well they’re working together. That’s what we need this year.”