CUBS AND PANTHERS OPEN WORKOUTS AMID HIGH EXPECTATIONS
The Brenham Cubs and the Burton Panthers have begun workouts as they get ready for the 2018 season.
For the Cubs, it’s their first season in two decades with a new head coach.
Coach Elliot Allen has the Cubs going through evening workouts in the opening weeks of practice. The Cubs will work out in shorts and t-shirts until Friday, the first day players can wear pads in practice.
The Cubs return nine starters from last year’s team (6-5) which made the playoffs for the 14th straight year.
Among the returning starters are receiver Andre Gilmore and running back Tyree Jackson, along with offensive linemen Bobby Mathis and Hunter Fritz. Gilmore, Jackson, Colby Watts and Lonterrious McClain will help lead the defense.
Allen will be looking for a new quarterback, as Kendarin Ray graduated after starting at QB the past two seasons.
The Cubs will also be looking at a new district in 2018. The District 13/5A DII schedule will include: Elgin, Bastrop, Marble Falls, Cedar Creek, Georgetown Eastview, Leander Glenn and Pflugerville Weiss.
The Cubs open their season Friday night, August 31, at Cubs Stadium against former long-time district foe, Magnolia West.
Coach Allen and the Cubs will host ‘Meet the Cubs’ night, Wednesday, August 22nd at Cubs Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
As always, Cubs Football can be heard live on KWHI and www.kwhi.com.
Meanwhile, in Burton, the Panthers have begun their workouts in advance of the 2018 season.
The Panthers open their evening workouts amid extremely high expectation, after a 2017 season that say the team advance to the State Semifinals.
Coach Jason Hodde returns seven starters from last year’s team, including four-year starters, Caleb Harmel and De’Monderick Winters.
Also back for the Panthers’ are: wide receivers Tristan Brantley and Cash Callahan, running back Damarcus Wilson, tight end Chase Mathis, and offensive linemen Cade Weiss, Caleb Fuchs and Jake Chandler. Burton’s offense averaged 47 points per game last year.
The Panthers open the year as Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine’s #4-ranked team in their Pre-Season 2A Division II State Poll.
The Panthers will be in District 14/2A DII along with: Flatonia, Snook, Louise and Somerville.
The Panthers open the 2018 season, Friday night, August 31st when they to Lexington for a 7:30 kickoff. The home opener is Friday, September 21st when they host Weimar at Panther Field.