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08-27-2006, 11:50 AM
Burkburnett Preview 2006
By Andy Newberry/Times Record News
August 22, 2006
There’s more than one new thing about Burkburnett football this year.
The biggest news came in February when the Bulldogs gladly accepted a reclassification into Class 3A from the University Interscholastic League.
And on the football field coach Bill Dalke is going to celebrate that move with another change in philosophy as the Bulldogs are working the option into their offense.
While most teams are using the spread offense to try and make the defense defend the entire field, the Bulldogs are going to try and force the secondary to defend the perimeter and an occasional play-action pass.
"The option puts a lot of stress in the secondary," Dalke said. "And we feel with a defense only having three days to prepare for that, it is the right move. With most teams going to the spread, the defenses probably don’t spend as much time on the option."
The No. 1 option for the Bulldog offense didn’t change, senior running back Nate Brown. The senior rushed for 1,489 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago and will be competing at the varsity level for the fourth season in a row.
Brown is also a game-breaking return man and a standout safety on defense. He hasn’t committed yet, but has several schools looking his direction.
"He is looking fantastic," Dalke said. "We’ll try to limit his carries, especially early. We know what he can do. He’s such a good safety that we have to have him on defense, especially against spread teams."
Quarterback Trey Horn won a three-way battle for the starting job last year, but returns as the unquestioned leader this time.
"It’s amazing at any position, but especially at quarterback the difference between a junior starter and senior starter," Dalke said. "Trey runs strong at about 190 and we’re pleased with his progress throwing, too."
The Bulldogs plan to mix some flexbone, wishbone and Wing-T sets.
"I think it’s the time to move to the option and we’re committing to it on all levels," Dalke said.
The Bulldogs have some speed and talent at wide receiver with junior Keaton Green and sophomore Derek Dowling, who may play some tight end at 6-1, 185.
The offensive line is rebuilding with some upperclassmen off the junior varsity and talented sophomores off the Bulldogs’ freshman team from a year ago.
"We’ve got some real healthy competition," Dalke said. "The sophomores are really pushing the seniors, they all want to be starters."
Those that don’t start will probably play some on both sides of the ball. Dalke said a positive is that it has created enough depth that for now, the Bulldogs have one-way starters on the lines.
The defense has also changed as Jay Hill took over for the departed Dale Brown at defensive coordinator. Dalke said Hill will run a 5-2 defense and he has simplified the alignments.
"He stresses techniques and does them over and over again, which makes them play more aggressively," Dalke said.
Linebackers Sammy Wise and Lynn Barnes are being counted on to make plays and safeties Brown and Dan Williams are experienced.
Sophomore Jason Beach, junior Jonathan Frank and Green are expected to see time at corner.
The Bulldogs open at home against Decatur.
By Andy Newberry/Times Record News
August 22, 2006
There’s more than one new thing about Burkburnett football this year.
The biggest news came in February when the Bulldogs gladly accepted a reclassification into Class 3A from the University Interscholastic League.
And on the football field coach Bill Dalke is going to celebrate that move with another change in philosophy as the Bulldogs are working the option into their offense.
While most teams are using the spread offense to try and make the defense defend the entire field, the Bulldogs are going to try and force the secondary to defend the perimeter and an occasional play-action pass.
"The option puts a lot of stress in the secondary," Dalke said. "And we feel with a defense only having three days to prepare for that, it is the right move. With most teams going to the spread, the defenses probably don’t spend as much time on the option."
The No. 1 option for the Bulldog offense didn’t change, senior running back Nate Brown. The senior rushed for 1,489 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago and will be competing at the varsity level for the fourth season in a row.
Brown is also a game-breaking return man and a standout safety on defense. He hasn’t committed yet, but has several schools looking his direction.
"He is looking fantastic," Dalke said. "We’ll try to limit his carries, especially early. We know what he can do. He’s such a good safety that we have to have him on defense, especially against spread teams."
Quarterback Trey Horn won a three-way battle for the starting job last year, but returns as the unquestioned leader this time.
"It’s amazing at any position, but especially at quarterback the difference between a junior starter and senior starter," Dalke said. "Trey runs strong at about 190 and we’re pleased with his progress throwing, too."
The Bulldogs plan to mix some flexbone, wishbone and Wing-T sets.
"I think it’s the time to move to the option and we’re committing to it on all levels," Dalke said.
The Bulldogs have some speed and talent at wide receiver with junior Keaton Green and sophomore Derek Dowling, who may play some tight end at 6-1, 185.
The offensive line is rebuilding with some upperclassmen off the junior varsity and talented sophomores off the Bulldogs’ freshman team from a year ago.
"We’ve got some real healthy competition," Dalke said. "The sophomores are really pushing the seniors, they all want to be starters."
Those that don’t start will probably play some on both sides of the ball. Dalke said a positive is that it has created enough depth that for now, the Bulldogs have one-way starters on the lines.
The defense has also changed as Jay Hill took over for the departed Dale Brown at defensive coordinator. Dalke said Hill will run a 5-2 defense and he has simplified the alignments.
"He stresses techniques and does them over and over again, which makes them play more aggressively," Dalke said.
Linebackers Sammy Wise and Lynn Barnes are being counted on to make plays and safeties Brown and Dan Williams are experienced.
Sophomore Jason Beach, junior Jonathan Frank and Green are expected to see time at corner.
The Bulldogs open at home against Decatur.