SWEET WATER &8212; During the beginning of its summer workouts, the Sweet Water Bulldog football program is in a state of transition as it looks towards the 2007 season.

The group finished its last season on top, winning the state championship and dominating its opponents. Currently the group is working out and conditioning as it begins the first part of its summer program, preparing for its 2007 campaign.

As the group continues its workouts through the month, Luker said he is looking for senior leadership to step up and fill roles lost by outgoing players from last year&8217;s group. Luker said the team lost prominent leaders like Dominic Holt and Jacques Lockett, who have graduated and looking to play college ball next season.

Luker said he has had players with strong springs, who he hopes can continue their work and emerge as leaders &8212; all he feels the team really needs to continue its success from the past several seasons.

With the exeunt of defensive coordinator, Andro Williams, and defensive line coach, Cecil Wallace, who have left for positions at Linden High School, the team is also facing adjustments in the coaching staff once they take the field next month.

Luker said the position vacated by Williams, who took a position as head football coach and athletic director at Linden, has already been filled by a coach coming from a larger program in the region. He said the new defensive coordinator for next season is Pat Thompson, who served as the defensive coordinator at Thomasville High School last year. He said being able to bring Thompson from a bigger program is a testament to what kind of program Sweet Water has become.

While the players work on building strength this month, the testament of the new coaches and players stepping into leadership roles will be seen during July and August practices and tested during the groups pre-season game on Aug. 24