There is no question the Nederland Bulldogs defensive line is starting to become one of the most dominant units this area has ever seen. For openers, the names Caleb Malveaux and DeShawn Washington have left some quarterbacks ears ringing this year after some monster sacks.

While Malveaux and Washington are the greatest known players, guys like Beau Stewart are starting to make names for themselves with Bulldogs fans. Stewart over the last couple of weeks has raised some eyebrows with his play, including those of his coaches.

Larry Neumann has seen some talented players in his 21 years at Nederland but this year’s defensive line has quickly become one of the best groups during his tenure.

Stewart has also caught the eye of his position coach, Reed Lowrance.

“Beau has certainly turned it up over the last few games,” Lowrance said. “To see where Beau is now and from where he was at the start of the year, he has grown as a player.”

Lowrance said Stewart spent time last year as a linebacker and tight end for the Bulldogs. The now two-year starter is a part of a Nederland defense that leads District 20-4A by limiting opponents to an average of 240.8 yards per game.

“The move from linebacker to the defensive line did not come natural,” Neumann said. “He has done remarkably well. That is all a credit to the work Beau has put in to become a great player. He is starting to make plays week in, week out.”

Stewart’s hard work paid off this Friday as he was able to score his first touchdown of the season on a 30-yard fumble recovery. The touchdown was one of seven for the Bulldogs on the way to a 49-0 thumping of Lumberton. It marked the 23rd straight time the Bulldogs have defeated a District 20-4A foe.

“We always work on the scoop and score in practice,” Stewart said. “It felt nice to be able to make a play for my team. That is all that mattered.”

The winning streak was something kept on the hush-hush a few weeks ago in Nederland. The Bulldogs did not talk about it. Now, they are speaking.

“It feels great to not lose a game in district for as long as I have been on varsity,” Stewart said. “All of us seniors have decided we are not going to lose in district and go out in style. We need our underclassmen and those guys have stepped up and protected the streak for us. We appreciate those guys. We really trust all our teammates to help us go out on a good note.”

Stewart said he has benefitted in many ways from playing beside Malveaux and Washington.

“Those two have really helped me this year,” Stewart added. “I wouldn’t be where I am without those guys. I figured out a long time ago I need to know what those two know. I know they are both there for me and have my back. We are a real close unit up on the line. We want the best for each other.”

The Bulldogs will visit the Butch Thomas Center this Friday to face the Central Jaguars. It will be the last 20-4A game in Stewart’s career. The Jaguars in 2010 were the last team in the district to defeat the Bulldogs.

“Why not go out and finish this off the right way,” Stewart said. “We have come this far. We are going to treat this Friday just like a playoff game. We want the district championship outright. We don’t even consider sharing a title. I can’t believe this is going to be the end of our 20-4A careers. This senior year has gone by pretty fast. We are all going to miss it.”

Bulldogs Bites: Beau Stewart has decided if he does not receive a scholarship to a college he will enter the Marines. He chose the Marines over the other branches of the military because of how active the Marines can be…Stewart calls himself a fan of the Dallas Cowboys…Stewart, however, does not watch sports too often on television. He does not watch much TV at all and said he would much rather be outside playing sports.

gpruett@panews.com

@PaNewsGabe