There probably hasn’t been a more anticipated spring in Bastrop.
When the reigning District 25-5A champion Bastrop Bears take the field for spring practice Tuesday for the first time, they will do so with bigger expectations and bigger hype than ever before.
They will also enter spring ball with bigger, faster and stronger players than ever before.
“There is a big difference in the kids,” said head coach Gerald Perry. “They are working harder and are coming out of the off-season bigger, faster and stronger.”
Perry and his staff will be sticking to their philosophy that every player must earn their spot, something Perry, who is entering his third year as Bastrop’s head coach, has instilled in his players since his first day on the job.
“Just because your a starter one day, doesn’t mean you will be a starter tomorrow,” he said. “Competition makes everybody better.”
The Bears have a few important needs to address during spring drills.
Their biggest need is replacing defensive backs Bernard Blake and Pete Rodriguez.
Two players to keep an eye on in the hunt are Dion Hickey and Paul Whitmill, someone Perry believes will be, “a special player at Bastrop.”
Whitmill is one player to watch during spring drills since he is expected to compete in several key positions.
Justin Froncek is also high on Perry’s watch list as a replacement for Blake and Rodriguez.
“He’s got a lot of speed.” Perry said. “That’s important in our defensive scheme.”
Another important need for the Bears to address is at wide receiver.
With the graduation of Auston Shipley and Chris Fletcher, who combined for 1,200 receiving yards, quarterback Josiah Monroe will need a new target.  Shipley had 11 receiving touchdowns and 51 catches.
Josh Taylor, who had a game-winning touchdown catch against Westlake, will be the likely candidate for Josiah Monroe’s go-to receiver.
Taylor returns after catching 22 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns.
Other players to watch at the wide receiver position will be Buddy Nunn, Buddy McDonald, Mustafa Akbar, Mayson Foytik and D.J. Gains.
Gains played on the junior varsity team in 2009 and got significant playing time.
“(Gains) has good hands and great speed,” Perry said. “(McDonald and Nunn) had great off-seasons and will be key players in that position battle.”
Mark Jackson will return at running back after missing the last part of 2009 with an injury.
Jackson started the season as the starter and will be challenged by returnees Marcus Reed and Trae Bunton, along with Whitmill and Hickey.
Bastrop will conduct practice every day until May 21.
The spring game will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 22 at BISD Memorial Stadium.
All practices are open to the public.

4 THINGS TO WATCH

1. BATTLE AT WIDE RECEIVER
Bastrop’s offense is centered around its passing game. This is an important battle.

2. DEFENSIVE BACK POSITION
Another key need for the Bears. Who will step up to replace Bernard Blake?

3. PAUL WHITMILL
Talented freshmen will develop. Perry said he will be a special player.

4. JOSIAH MONROE
The most talked about player in Central Texas is always a sight, even at practice.

SCHEDULE

Here is the full schedule for Bastrop’s spring practice. All practices are from 4-6 p.m. unless otherwise noted and are free to the public:

At Erhard Field
Tuesday, May 4; Wednesday, May 5; Thursday, May 6. Friday, May 7; Monday, May 10; Tuesday, May 11; Wednesday, May 12; Thursday, May 14; Monday, May 17; Tuesday, May 18; Wednesday, May 19; Thursday, May 20; Friday, May 21

At BISD Memorial Stadium
Friday, May 14 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) ; Monday, May 24; Wednesday May 26

7-on-7 practices will be held on Tuesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 27.
— Michael Adams