LYFORD — For many on the Lyford Bulldogs’ football squad, it’s the one day they have circled on their calendars.
The first scrimmage of the new 2016 football season is finally here.
For now, everybody is undefeated and everyone is hoping for the shot at the postseason.
However, in the sweltering heat of a mid-afternoon Thursday, few minds are thinking that far ahead. Most have their eyes set on today’s scrimmage against Valley View, where some questions are likely to be answered.
Perhaps one of the most interesting questions of all is who will replace two-year starting quarterback JohnRivera.
Rivera led the Bulldogs into the postseason last year, where Lyford, after rattling off a 4-1 district record, narrowly lost 29-22 to Goliad.
The spot is open, but as Lyford head coach Jaime Infante said, “I’ve got two quarterbacks that are vying for the spot.”
Another question on people’s minds is about the team chemistry. However, the squad already has its priorities set and now just need to execute.
“Practice has been going great,” said senior Ethen Gonzales. “We are all working hard and working toward the same goal — to execute as good as we can and go as far as we possibly can.
“We have a lot of speed and we have a lot of experience and we know what we are doing. We’re very excited and we can’t wait to get on the field. Ever since the first day of two-a-days thats all we’ve been talking about, going out there and executing.
Teammate Jake Ramos agreed.
“Everybody has been doing great and working hard,” said Ramos. “Everybody is going full speed and we are looking really good because we have a lot of returners coming back.
“Last year, we had a young team and now we’re all back so it looks pretty good. We are all working good together and we know what to expect from one another.”
For now, the objective is simple — run plays, stay healthy and execute, because the race to the 2016 postseason is just around the corner.
