Burnet football uses several players during Canyon Lake scrimmage

CAPTION: Burnet junior quarterback Fisher Powell is tagged down during the scrimmage against Fischer Canyon Lake Aug. 14. During scrimmages, quarterbacks aren’t allowed to be tackled. Photo by Kaydence Burditt/ In Color Photography

The Burnet High School football team took the field against an opponent for the first time in 2026 when the Bulldogs traveled to Fischer Canyon Lake Aug. 14.

The scrimmage began with both teams playing each other fairly equally. Then the Hawks’ roster and their ability not to use the same players on both sides of the ball allowed them to finish more drives.

Still, head coach Ben Speer said, the Bulldogs exited the stadium with data from which they can build.

“I think the best thing about the scrimmage is we saw some good stuff,” he said. “Some things you thought you had are now evidently not and then some good surprises turn into some great surprises, and we were able to see some (junior varsity) kids come up and play, get some varsity reps. So that was good from them.”

He indicated the Bulldogs saw different players in numerous positions and tried different athlete combinations that gave coaches some invaluable film.

One was Scott Edwards, who moved to outside linebacker and outside receiver. Speer pointed out Edwards had been putting in the work for quite some time and was in the ideal spot to make a move up.

“He started both ways,” he said. “He’s being rewarded for showing up all the time and working hard and being coachable.”

Another was sophomore Ethan Sanchez, who caught an interception.

“On both sides of the ball, just a fantastic job at running back and safety,” Speer said. “Really pleased with him. He graded out the highest on both sides. When we watched him, he was everywhere. He was flying to the ball – he was always around it.”

He pointed out that Canyon Lake, in addition to having a large roster, was “very physical” throughout the scrimmage.

Speer said what the Bulldogs faced against the Hawks happen to teams throughout the season.

“Someone goes down and somebody has to step up and fill a hole,” he said. “It’s the first or second week of camp – that happens. It forces you to switch gears.”

Now the Bulldogs turn their attention to the final scrimmage. This one is at home against Waco Robinson Thursday, Aug. 20, with the subvarsities playing at 5 p.m. and the varsity at 6:30 p.m.

Robinson’s offense is led senior dual-threat quarterback Brice McCurdy, who is committed to Texas Christian University. He is the No. 40 ranked quarterback in the country and No. 5 in the state of Texas.

“Don’t know how much they’re going to play him,” the coach said.

The each offense will get the ball on the 30-yard line and have eight continuous minutes to “run as many plays as you want.”

If there’s time remaining, a live quarter will follow after starting units on both sides of the ball and reserves have had a chance to play and coaches get what they want on film.

Speer summed up what he wants to see from his players.

“I want to see us take a step forward,” he said. “Let’s keep taking a step forward. We talked about we’re going to have to find those guys in that JV locker room going to the varsity locker room. We have to get them ready. Several got a lot of reps. We have to create some depth and find some more starters and relieve these other guys.”