Burnet baseball’s experience paves the way for success

CAPTION: Burnet senior Noah Crawford reacts after he hits a double against Fredericksburg and reaches second base during the 12-2 season-opening win. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Burnet High School baseball team is off to a solid start.

The Bulldogs have earned wins against Bulverde Bracken 8-0 Feb. 28, Llano 18-6 Feb. 25 and Fredericksburg 12-2 Feb. 17.

And what makes this 2025 version of the Bulldogs as dangerous as last year’s team that won the District 24-4A championship are the number of returners.

In all, head coach Russell Houston welcomed back eight familiar faces with at least six who started a year ago. Last year he called himself the team’s bus driver. Has that changed?

“I think we have a lot of kiddos who have a lot of experience,” he said. “Leadership is more of a community than one guy. When you have a lot of kiddos coming back, you stay out of the way and let them do their thing. We’re learning our roles right now. I think the best teams are where you’re the bus driver.”

Houston chuckled when asked which position is the team’s luxury room.

“That’s a good question,” he said. “I would probably say we have a luxury of outfielders. I think we’re one deep at a couple of other spots. Noah Crawford at shortstop – if something were to happen to him, we’d lose a lot there.”

Crawford signed to play for Tarleton State University during the early signing period in November.

Very little phases these Bulldogs, who have seen just about every situation in the sport and have made more positive plays than their opponents. They also embrace doing a job even if it’s not glamorous such as drawing a walk or take a base because they were hit by a pitch all in an effort to “pass the bat.”

That illustrates a commitment to the team.

“They have a lot of experience and maturity,” Houston said. “We’re talking about finding a way to get the bat to the next guy. It’s more about the team. I think we have a better chance of success.”

Burnet has a number of pitchers returning including Matthew Valdez and Cooper Faris. The staff added sophomore Mason Watson. Another newcomer is utility player Cooper Alexander who splits time at second base and the outfield.

“I’m excited about where (Watson is) at,” Houston said. “(Alexander) has done a good job at the plate.”

Alex Cantrill has taken over as the starting pitcher after spending some time at that spot a year ago.

“He calls our pitches,” the coach said. “He receives the ball really well. He’s a great kid who makes some of the routine plays. He does a good job behind the plate.”

The district said good-bye to Lago Vista and welcomed Salado and Taylor. Salado reached the fourth round of the playoffs last year.

“Salado has played a lot of good baseball the last couple of years,” Houston said. “Lampasas has a lot of kids coming back, Marble Falls has a lot of kids back. Taylor was at the regional semifinals a couple of years ago, but those kids have graduated.”

He also believes Georgetown Gateway and Jarrell will be looking for playoff berths, too. But he believes the Bulldogs are motivated and will compete.

“I like my team,” he said. “I don’t know that we’re predominantly the favorites. I’ll take my chances with my guys.”

The Bulldogs will host their own tournament Thursday-Saturday, March 6-8. They’ll face Killeen at 9 a.m. Thursday, Maypearl at 4:30 p.m. and Wimberley at 7 p.m. Friday, and Glen Rose at 2 p.m. Saturday.

They begin district play at Marble Falls Tuesday, March 11, before hosting the Mustangs Friday, March 14. First pitch in both contests is at 7 p.m.

CAPTION: Alex Cantrill is the Bulldogs starting catcher this season. One big reason is because he knows how to receive the ball in a way to get a called strike. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro