JEFFERSON, TX (KTAL/KMSS) Jefferson went 12-0 in year one under head coach Ty Taylor, but with a younger and less experienced team last season, the Bulldogs fell just short of expectations.But with a veteran team, a new division, the Bulldogs plan to get right back on track. It is a new season in Jefferson, but something that wont change is their motivation. Last year just before the first game of the year, Jefferson's Avery Lawson was diagnosed with leukemia. Doctors have since cleared Lawson to return to workouts."Hell come up here, workout a couple days, then hell go to Dallas to get chemo. Its an honor to be beside him and play with him," said quarterback Chance Washington. "Its crazy cause hell text me coach I cant be there today, Im going to get chemo and Im just like its okay," Taylor said. "He would come out to practice with a backpack on, with medicine he was receiving via pump. It was crazy seeing him running routes, doing all these things and we know hes hurting, we know hes struggling, and hes not complaining."Lawson presence for his senior year is special, especially because this season has been on the community's calendar for a while."Its really unusual for a school our size but we have 25 seniors," Taylor said. "The bond that we already have all together has been great. Since little league Ive been seeing these guys playing together, just cold. Just this class right now has been talked about for a long time," said Washington.In the offseason, the UIL dropped Jefferson down a division, joining Arp, New Diana, West Rusk, Troup, and Winona in District 10 of 3A-DII. "We dropped to Division II, which is good for us, we go from being one of the smallest schools in our division, to one of the biggest," Taylor said. That change could be a big advantage for the veteran team and the promising outlook for the 2026 season. "Theres a lot of excitement because of those kids and just seeing their growth and development over the years. But we obviously know that doesnt guarantee us anything. We have to go and earn everything," Taylor said. And with the Bulldogs inspiration coming from right in their very own locker room, their dedication has them on the path to earning it.Jefferson begins its season on the road at Westwood on August 27 at 7:30 pm.Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.