LYONS – For the past four years, the Bulldog class of 2024 has compiled an album of unforgettable memories and a lasting impression on the school’s football legacy.

A state championship, along with a semifinal and two quarterfinal appearances in the past four years have placed this group on a shortlist of the best to don the blue and yellow.

Their careers, and the 2023 season, came to a close in the state quarterfinals at No. 4 Lyons, as the Bulldogs ran into a feisty Lions squad on Saturday, falling 62-22 in defeat.

Six seniors, including several multiyear starters, took their final snaps under first-year head coach Jason Fury. After falling behind early against the Lions 34-0 in the first quarter, Dove Creek scored a pair of touchdowns in quick succession to pull within 34-14.

The Bulldogs would get no closer, however, as Lyons found the end zone four times through the air and five more on the ground in a balanced effort to advance to the state semifinals.

Dove Creek closes out an 8-3 season and a four-year mark of 33-8, while celebrating another season as one of the best programs in the 8-man classification.