Freeport Bulldogs Embrace Weight Room Culture Under Coach Bobby Johns
The Freeport Bulldogs are hitting the weight room with renewed intensity under head coach Bobby Johns, who has made strength and physicality the cornerstone of his program’s culture as the team prepares for its first season under his leadership.
Johns, who took over the Bulldogs program after seven years at Wewahitchka, inherited a team coming off a 5-5 season and has wasted no time raising expectations. The emphasis on the weight room has been a clear departure from previous off-season routines, with players expected to show up consistently or lose playing time.
“If you’re not here every day in the weight room, you’re not going to play,” said a Bulldogs player identified as Parnell in the MyPanhandle report. The sentiment reflects Johns’ accountability-first approach, which has resonated with a roster that features only three seniors but has bought into the new standard.
The focus on getting stronger has been paired with a defensive overhaul. Johns noted that the Bulldogs were pushed around on the defensive front last season, and the coaching staff has responded by making defense a priority — putting the best 11 defensive players on that side of the ball regardless of offensive responsibilities.
“You know, I wouldn’t say an elite off-season, but it’s been a good off-season, especially for the first year, trying to make sure that they understand the importance of being here, which they were, and the intensity with which you have to do things in the summer,” Johns said. “That’s kind of a step up from the past.”
The Bulldogs’ weight room transformation comes as part of MyPanhandle’s “21 Teams in 21 Days” preseason series, which is previewing high school football programs across the Panhandle ahead of the 2026 season. Freeport’s opener is scheduled against Chipley, with the Bulldogs looking to improve on last year’s .500 record and return to the playoffs under their new coach.
Originally reported by MyPanhandle (WMBB).
Image: MyPanhandle (WMBB)
