Continuity highlights Burnet football’s training camp
CAPTION: Burnet senior Jace Haberer leaps high to make this grab during a defensive drill designed to make the Bulldogs find and react quickly to the ball in an attempt to create turnovers. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
After taking a short break, the Burnet High School football team spent the second half of its time at Bulldog Field Aug. 1 attacking defensive drills established by defensive coordinator Ben Speer and the staff.
Defensive line coach Tim Perkins showed his players which foot to use and where to step, where to put their hands, and understand that fighting through a block requires more than sheer strength.
Other coaches emphasized the correct way to turn, how to quickly cover the most turf in the shortest amount of time, and having an eye for the football. As they worked, head coach Bryan Wood could hear the communication between the players and their coaches as instructions were given and then performed.
“We’re in year three,” Wood said. “The obvious answer is retention and understanding of scheme of what we’re trying to do.”
The Bulldogs, who number 75 in grades 10-12 and 35 freshmen, showed their knowledge and comfort throughout the session, arriving for fall training camp in shape. That meant coaches didn’t have to spend a lot of time doing conditioning work and more time correcting and teaching.
“We’re just conditioned,” Wood said. “We had as many as 90 guys for summer workouts. We took three weeks off scattered throughout the summer. I was opening the weight room (during the off weeks), and kids were in there. We had the skill session the (University Interscholastic League) allows. We’ve had the footballs out, and they’ve been out here.”
The graduation of Tanner O’Hair means the Bulldogs are on a hunt for a new starting quarterback in 2023. Juniors Rhett Murray and Marcus Pimentel are battling to be the signal caller of one of the most prestigious positions in Burnet County, following in the footsteps of Mitchell Maxwell and Stephen McGee, two quarterbacks who led the Bulldogs to state championship contests.
“I think Murray is throwing the ball really well,” Wood said. “Pimentel is more of a runner, and he throws it well enough to get the job. Our first scrimmage is going to be huge for one of those guys. We haven’t scripted who’s getting reps; we let them do it with the first one who jumps out there. It’s all those little things they think we don’t pay attention to: who wants to watch film and ask questions. It may come down to who’s more of a student of the game.”
One question asked of the two was which side did they want protected — their backs or their fronts. That goes to the importance of processing information quickly calling out the proper blocking assignments.
“Obviously it’s the backside,” Wood said. “You want to get protected based on where you’re going with the ball.”
The Bulldogs return three starting offensive linemen in juniors Colt Johnson, Johnathan Ryder and Brandon Westbrook, who were put in the starting lineup because of injuries in 2022. Throw in sophomore Ellis Starkey, who was moved up to the varsity in 2022 for the Marble Falls contest, and the Bulldogs have a core of experienced, confident blockers for offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Tyler McIntosh.
“We have three guys starting who finished the year in the same positions: our center, strong side guard and tackle,” Wood said. “The quick side guys are the ones we’re trying to figure out the mix. We have some competition there, which is always good. We’re not going to be as big, we don’t have a Kaleb Maynard-like body. We’ll be more athletic upfront. Our feet will be better.”
Creating depth continues to be the quest. Wood noted the team is looking at several backs, who will all get several carries throughout the season with the aim of keeping them as fresh as possible to play four quarters. One is senior Dash Denton, a returning starter from 2022. Others expected to be part of the rotation are juniors Khris Kassner and Lew Laidler. Kassner had 101 tackles last season, including 44 solo tacklers. Laidler is the latest from a family of tough athletes who are unafraid to make play.
“Nobody is getting back-to-back reps,” he said. “We have a three-man rotation. They’re all very capable. All three will start on defense.”
Another plus? Only one coach resigned, noting the need to move closer to family. That means Wood has his offensive and defensive coordinators and position coaches back for the 2023-24 school year.
