Bearcats Looking For Past Glory
By: David Robinett
Updated: August 16, 2012
The Ballinger football program is known for being a power in this part
of the world, but that hasn't really been the case in recent years.
The Bearcats are coming off their 5th season in the last 6 years that ended without a playoff appearance. Former Bearcat Justin Wiley is now in charge of the program down south.
He takes over a team that won just 1 game in 2011, so changes are necessary, and it starts with a defense that is all over you.
Coach Wiley said, "That's what playing Bearcat football is all about. It's about playing great defense. It's about playing ball-control offense, and it's about playing together and playing hard as a team. That's what we stress. Back in the 60's Ballinger got the term of having the "Red Ant Defense" because they played hard and aggressive on defense.
Wiley added, "Transitions are never easy, but I feel this one has been smooth, and I've appreciated the players and the coaches staff embracing what I wanted to bring in and doing what's expected of them."
The Bearcats are picked to finish 6th in a very tough District 4-2A Div. II by Texas Football magazine. Devon Hoelscher returns to the lineup after coming up with 162 tackles last year for Ballinger. The Bearcats start the year on the road in Brady.
The Bearcats are coming off their 5th season in the last 6 years that ended without a playoff appearance. Former Bearcat Justin Wiley is now in charge of the program down south.
He takes over a team that won just 1 game in 2011, so changes are necessary, and it starts with a defense that is all over you.
Coach Wiley said, "That's what playing Bearcat football is all about. It's about playing great defense. It's about playing ball-control offense, and it's about playing together and playing hard as a team. That's what we stress. Back in the 60's Ballinger got the term of having the "Red Ant Defense" because they played hard and aggressive on defense.
Wiley added, "Transitions are never easy, but I feel this one has been smooth, and I've appreciated the players and the coaches staff embracing what I wanted to bring in and doing what's expected of them."
The Bearcats are picked to finish 6th in a very tough District 4-2A Div. II by Texas Football magazine. Devon Hoelscher returns to the lineup after coming up with 162 tackles last year for Ballinger. The Bearcats start the year on the road in Brady.
