With an inexperienced offensive line that’s seen its depth depleted by injuries, Wylie has had to lean more heavily on its passing game this season than coach Hugh Sandifer would prefer.

But if there’s been one positive to the Bulldogs’ struggles in the running game, it’s been the emergence of junior receivers Creed Cooper and Reed Hughes.

While Wylie remains winless at 0-6 heading into Thursday’s game at Wichita Falls High, Cooper and Hughes have added big-play potential to a Bulldog unit that has struggled to finish drives this season. And that duo will, no doubt, play a key role if Sandifer’s squad is to make a playoff push in its last four district games.