The Little Christians back then have long ago been transformed into Bulldogs. The school announced in 2018 that it was re-starting the program.
Chip Hester was shortly afterward announced as head coach, hired away from North Carolina A&T, where he had spent the previous three seasons as offensive coordinator.
Fast forward nearly three years and what was once just a notion will soon be a reality.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, Truist Stadium will be home to college football as the Bulldogs take on Erskine
Hester spoke to ABC11 about the wait, the excitement and the anxiety of opening day for a whole new program.
"I'm really proud of them because it's been a long haul, and we've got guys on this team that have been practicing for literally two years without a competition, so they're anxious to get out there," Hester said. "It's been a long time, so I'm excited. Football coaches want to coach football in ball games, so I know I'm excited, I can feel our guys are excited. We have a 6 a.m. workout this morning and there's a little pop in their step. They're anxious to get after it, that's for sure."