Bastrop head coach Gerald Perry told his team after their first practice Monday, that this year is different than previous years.
“We are the hunted now,” Perry told his team after the 2 1/2 hour practice. “People know who we are now. It’s not like last year where we were surprised everyone. Your best effort needs to be better.”
Bastrop began fall drills Monday with much anticipation as close to 30 fans watched on at the practice field behind Erhard Stadium.
The Bears, ranked No. 15 in Class 4A by TexasHSFootball.com, were excited to be back on the field, but understands that teams are gunning for them.
“Everyone is going to be coming after us,” said quarterback Josiah Monroe. “Every game is going to be a game. We are going to have to work hard and give it our all in practice and be ready.”
Perry echoed the message that he sent to his team after practice, saying that his team has to give maximum effort in everything they do.
“We are now at a level we expect to be at,” he said. “No matter who we play, we are going to get their best, so we have to give our best at all times.”
One player happy to be back on the field is running back Mark Jackson, who missed most of the 2009 season after tearing his MCL.
Jackson, who rushed for 135 yards last year, is one of three running backs vying for the starting job.
“It’s a great feeling to be back on the field,” Jackson said. “I missed being out here.”
Jackson also acknowledged that the Bears are the team to beat this year and they will be ready.
“We have to come out here and work hard every day,” Jackson said. “We can do it and keep winning.”
Marcus Reed, another running back in the hunt for the starting job, said he was also glad to be back and expects big things for Bastrop.
“I’ve been waiting for this all summer,” Reed said. “Knowing that we are the team to beat just makes us work harder so no one surprises us. We are going to come out 100 percent all the time, no matter who we play.”
Bastrop practiced in shorts and helmets on Monday and will continue to do so until Friday, when the Bears get their first full contact of the season.
Perry said he thought his team looked good on the first day at times, but also showed some rust.
“We are a week behind because of spring ball, so you expect to be a little rusty,” Perry said. “I thought the execution and knowledge was there from the spring, but it’s going to take a couple of days to shake off the rust. We’ll get there.”
Bastrop will play its first scrimmage on Aug. 20 at Lake Travis against the reigning Class 4A state champion Cavaliers.
The Bears open the season on Aug. 27 at The Palace in Round Rock against McNeil.