The Umatilla High School Bulldogs are riding a wave of momentum both on the field and off it.

The football team is off to a 4-0 start this season, part of a revitalization effort that has energized the program and its community. Recent upgrades have already been made, including a refurbished locker room, a freshly painted stadium and new field goal posts. But bigger changes could soon be on the horizon.

(The Umatilla High football field is an old school Florida football stadium. The school is pushing to win the T-Mobile Nationwide field makeover contest.)

Umatilla High has been named a Week 7 winner in T-Mobile’s nationwide #FN5GL contest, earning $5,000 for its athletic program. The victory puts the Bulldogs in the running for the contest’s grand prize: a $1 million home-field makeover.

Community members, including the Umatilla Pop Warner program, are rallying behind the school’s bid to secure the upgrade, encouraging fans to post their Bulldog pride online to help Umatilla climb into the Top 25.

(Fans pack the grandstands at a recent Umatilla High School football game. Photo Credit – Joe Ott.)

The stands are always full on Friday night’s and the town really deserves this. Volunteers have worked to keep the stadium looking good and much has been done on a limited budget but for a program that’s on the verge of making a big comeback, this would go a long way towards the future of Umatilla Football.

Coach Eric Samuels has worked tirelessly with his amazing team of coaches, players and community members to bring pride back to Umatilla. They have successfully done that as Umatilla is a top 10 team in Florida in the Sunshine State Conference.

(The concession area behind the home side grandstand after a recent paint job.)

We certainly wish Umatilla High School the best of luck as they continue to push for this grand prize.