Burnet football has solid month of 7 on 7, start to summer workouts

CAPTION: Marcus Pimentel makes catching touchdown passes look this easy. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

The Burnet High School 7-on-7 team finished 2-1 at its own state qualifying tournament June 1.

The Bulldogs beat Marble Falls 34-0 and Troy 40-12 and lost to Little River Academy 13-6.

Head coach Ben Speer noted the Bulldogs were inside the 25-yard line four times against Academy. Those drives stalled.

“Those are things we learn and grow from,” he said.

Not bad for a team that lost many skill players to graduation.

“Our defensive line and offensive line are back,” Speer said. “We have to replace some good skill kids. I think we have the talent. They just need the experience. It was fun to see those guys grow up and good to see those guys competing and work together and show that ‘I can do this job.'”

They include Matt Williams, a sophomore who was on the junior varsity.

“He played well and practiced well against the varsity on the scout team,” the coach said. “He made some big plays (during the state qualifying tournament). Going forward we’re excited to see him do those things.”

He noted that other athletes showed their knowledge of the playbook by how they read and reacted to what was happening, which allowed them to compete at full throttle.

“I was glad and tickled to death when they do it against other varsity guys,” Speer said. “We think ‘that’s the one we think can fit that role.’ That confidence starts snowballing. It was good and exciting to see.”

One great part of this summer is that both Rhett Murray and Marcus Pimentel return. While Murray was the starting quarterback a year ago, Pimentel entered a few games, too. This season, coaches are using Pimentel in other positions and giving the staff something every coach wants — depth.

“They both have different tools in their kits,” Speer said. “Rhett’s been the dude. I saw Rhett being more comfortable with his calls. Everybody else responded. Marcus is a dual threat who can run it and throw it. He was definitely one of the ones who showed us something in situations.”

Pimentel has lined up at slot receiver and as a defensive back. His knowledge of the quarterback position allows him to read the defense and adjust differently, the coach said. That was especially evident during a recent 7-on-7 contest as the ball was snapped.

“He threw his hand up cause he knew he was fixing to pop open. Rhett hit him for a touchdown,” Speer said. “On the other side of the ball at outside linebacker, he had a pick 6.”

Other Bulldogs having great summers are Khris Kassner, who is a running back and linebacker, and Colt Stanford.

“Kassner had catches coming out of the backfield. He can easily play both ways. He was great on defensive communication,” the coach said. “Toward the end of the season (Stanford) was hurt. After track, he has a lot of confidence. It’s fun to see him compete and make calls. I can’t wait to see these guys when it really counts.”

As for the qualifying tournament itself, Little River Academy squeaked out a 21-20 win against China Spring to advance to the state tournament.

“We thought we had a great mix of teams at this qualifier,” Speer said.

The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District athletic department began its strength and conditioning program June 3 with 85 high schoolers and 42 middle schoolers in attendance after taking a week off.

Speer was ecstatic with the turnout.

“We’re definitely more than tickled,” he said. “It’s been getting higher. In year one (in 2021), we had about 22. We’re really pleased with that first day.”

Speer believes that number will increase after this week, once the boys basketball camp concludes.

“I love being around the boys,” he said. “A week away is always good for both of us. They’re getting a little break from us. It’s good to see them again and being there.”

Speer also announced the promotion of Burnet Middle School coach Roman Arguellas as the assistant offensive line coach. The staff still needs to make another hire.

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