Burnet football shines on 1st day of practice

CAPTION: Senior quarterback Charles Edwards reads the end before deciding whether to hand the ball to running back Josiah Coronado or keep it during the Bulldogs’ first official practice of the 2025 season Aug. 4. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The excitement throughout Bulldog Field could be felt in the parking lot.

Though it was a sunny day Aug. 4, the scorching heat that’s typically part of football fall camps across the state wasn’t felt. But the eagerness and happiness the Burnet High School football players and coaches had to step back onto the artificial turf to begin practice for the 2025 season was evident.

That’s because of the efficiency the Bulldogs showed while they worked on offensive coordinator Colton Brewer’s scheme.

While quarterbacks, running backs and receivers worked on passing plays, the offensive linemen participated in pass protection drills.

Several quarterbacks threw to receivers and running backs who went to different spots on the field during each play. At times they’d throw to the left and middle left. Other times, they’d throw to the right and middle right.

When coaches blew the whistle telling players to get ready for 11 on 11, the cheers were loud as linemen and skill players ran to the red zone and got lined up. Then they went through the playbook with Brewer calling for specific plays.

“We’re excited,” head coach Ben Speer said. “Everybody who’s here is supposed to be here. The guys are excited. They’re bouncing around.”

Indeed. The Bulldogs made the most of their work on the turf before Speer gathered them in a team huddle and sent them indoors to watch film in position-specific meetings and a short rest. Then they went to the Student Activity Center for defensive work.

In all, 115 high schoolers are in the football program, but Speer believes more are still coming. He was anticipating a few more freshmen.

That 115 includes 30 seniors.

“By far the most we’ve had (since Speer arrived five years ago),” he said.

Speer noted the Bulldogs’ energy is a direct result of attending summer strength and conditioning where they put their bodies through weight lifting, speed and agility training. Those results were on full display during the Aug. 4 practice.

In addition, the returners illustrated they understood their specific role in each play, so Speer was pleased with the retention.

“We’re not doing anything new,” he said. “We have some little tweaks here and there. You feel more confident, and they showed that.”

Overall, Speer said the coaching staff and players were happy and eager to get preparations started for the season.

“It’s day one, and we haven’t lost a game yet,” he said. “Everyone is excited.”

Burnet will conduct its intrasquad scrimmage at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Bulldog Field. The Bulldogs welcome Fischer Canyon Lake for a scrimmage Friday, Aug. 15, with the subvarsities playing at 5 p.m. and the varsity at 6:30 p.m.

Burnet welcomes Lago Vista at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, in the season opener.

CAPTION: Senior Demetrius Taliaferro reads the blocks to know which gap to hit as the Bulldogs go through the running plays. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro