By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
For Landon Dodson, his focus is on what’s ahead with his new team.
Dodson left Southern Alamance in the spring, enrolling for the final quarter at Southeast Alamance.
For the 2024 season, he’ll be the quarterback for the Stallions.
Dodson said he likes the pass-oriented emphasis at Southeast, something that has been pretty much a non-factor at his previous school in recent seasons – which typically marched down the field with few passes.
His change in schools has been connected with some irritation, he said. It’s something he understands, but knows it’s best to look ahead.
“It was a lot, for sure,” Dodson said. “You can’t drive a car looking in the rearview mirror, so I’m just kind of looking through the windshield, looking into the future.”
Southeast wasted no time installing Dodson into their plans at quarterback. That moves senior Ryan Dodson (no relation), who was the starter for the school’s first football season a year ago, into other roles.
For Landon Dodson, this fulfils a quest, under coach Tony Aguilar, to be involved in a diverse offense.
“Definitely been learning a lot from Coach Ag.” he said, noting the chance to put the ball in the air on a regular basis. “A lot more than I normally do. It’s night and day, reps in practice and in games, especially. Everything will be a lot different.”
Landon Dodson has been gearing up for this type of role. He has trained under former Graham and Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman.
He said he likes the possibilities for his development as a quarterback.
“A lot of opportunity for growth,” he said. “Just being in a really good environment with Coach Ag and all those coaches. All those coaches have a lot of college experience, playing or coaching at a high level.”
Now the Stallions have a quarterback groomed for the position.
“It’s great,” Ryan Dodson said. “He’s really good at throwing and that’s his fit.”
An adjustment period could ensue for Landon Dodson.
“He’s getting used to slinging the ball around a bit,” Aguilar said.
Multi-purpose back Jerry “Bubba” Sims said: “He tries to make everything perfect. He’s throwing it better.”
Landon Dodson said he remains close with a few players from Southern, while others have been less accepting of his departure.
“At Southern, everyone kind of doesn’t like me. They’re kind of mad that I left,” he said. “It is what it is. I’ve got to focus on the [Southeast] team and our future.”
