Freer’s J.B. De La Garza will be a threat running the ball and catching passes
for the Buckaroos’ offense.
Freer High School football coach Bob Ford isn't used to being
in unfamiliar situations.
As they prepare to open the 2002 season, things are about as different
as could be for Ford and the Buckaroos.
Following the University Interscholastic League's biennial realignment
in February, the Buckaroos are now a part of District 30-2A. The prospect of facing
five new district opponents - Brackettville, Dilley, George West, Natalia and
Three Rivers - has left Ford uncertain about what could happen this fall.
"The last time we played George West was four years ago, Three Rivers
five years ago and Dilley five years ago. That's the last contact we've had with
those schools, and we've never played Brackettville or Natalia," Ford said. "We
don't know anything about this district."
Ford does know one thing, however.
"I think George West is going to be extremely strong, maybe the strongest
in the district," Ford said of the Longhorns, who moved down from Class 3A in
the realignment. "We know who they've played against the last few seasons, so
they're a definite contender."
Since last making the playoffs in 1999, George West struggled for
two seasons in 30-3A. The Longhorns went 3-4 in district in 2000 and finished
in sixth place with a 2-5 record last year.
With an enrollment of 339, George West is now one of the largest
2A schools in the state, tied for seventh. By comparison, Brackettville has the
third smallest 2A enrollment at 180.
George West favored
That's enough to make Tigers coach David Yeager think George West
is the favorite to win the district championship.
"We're on the other end of the pole, so for us it's like David vs.
Goliath against everybody," Yeager said. "You've got to figure George West is
going to be pretty good just because of their numbers."
George West coach Jay Hellums said the move "evens the playing field,"
but doesn't mean much more than that.
"It's just a numbers game," said Hellums, in his second year as head
coach. "It's different not having to compete against Sinton, Mathis or Aransas
Pass week after week, but it's not going to get any easier. Now we just have the
opportunity to compete."
Perhaps more than that.
The Longhorns return a total of 14 starters (seven on each side of
the ball), including quarterback Thomas Ham, fullback Alex Lopez and three of
five offensive linemen. George West's entire defensive front remains intact, while
in the secondary, Clint Saenz is back after finishing with five interceptions
as a sophomore.
This season, Hellums said pressure is going to be an ongoing struggle.
"Moving to 2A is going to be harder on the kids because of the expectations,"
Hellums said. "We have to work even harder now that we've moved down."
The Buckaroos are waiting.
Winners of 10 of the last 12 district titles in 32-2A, including
nine in a row, Freer opens district in George West on Oct. 11. The Buckaroos wouldn't
mind starting a new streak.
"We're looking forward to that, we just need to be prepared," Ford
said. "I feel that all the teams are pretty close together and that we can compete
in there. From what I know I might be dead wrong, and that would be a rude awakening."
