Rebuilding Bearcats eye playoff spot and future success

    In 1999, a senior laden Grandfield team took advantage of a high-scoring offense and a stingy defense as they marched to a share of the District C-2 title and a trip to the Class C quarterfinals.  In 2000, coach Larry Turner's tradition-rich Bearcats return just four seniors and must replace starters in every position in a rebuilding effort to reach the playoffs once again.

    There are a lot of questions surrounding the Bearcats, especially with just two players returning that saw only part time starting duty last season.  Junior Marshall Hargis was a part time starter at split end last season, but will move under center this year to command the Bearcat's I-formation option attack.  Behind Hargis, the Bearcat's backfield should have a good mix of speed and size with Robert James at tailback and sophomore Andrew Franco at fullback.  Hargis has a strong arm and is a capable passer so look for the Bearcats to line up in some one-back sets and air the ball out with Cooper Catlege the main threat at split end.  An inexperienced line including Paul Castillo, Warren Harris, and Dustin Doherty will have to gel for the Bearcat's offense to be successful.
    "There are just so many question marks."  Turner said, "Defensively, we're still experimenting a lot and moving people around.  I need to see them in a game to see what they can do.  Everything is just up for grabs right now."
    James is the only experienced player returning on the Bearcat's defense and is expected to step up as a leader for the defensive unit.  Most of the Bearcat's starters will go both ways as depth is a concern with just 19 players out.  Look for Grandfield to run a 3-2 defensive scheme and to mix things up with a 3-3 stack.
    "The kids have done a good job as far as practices are going." Turner added, "They're all working and trying to get a job, and everyone's about on even ground right now.  They're doing the things we're asking them to do, they're working hard, and they've got a good attitude.  I've really enjoyed the way they've worked and how hard they're trying.  It's just a matter of can we get it all together and get all of the parts in the right places.  I'm hoping some of them will step up through these scrimmages and the first few games.  We're basically sophomores and juniors and rebuilding right now so we're going to have to play as a team this year.  We've got some good athletes, but they're just inexperienced.  They're young and I expect some mistakes, but if they'll learn from them and can keep progressing, I'm looking to at least make the playoffs.  That's kind of my goal this year.  It would be great to make the playoffs as young as we are.  I hope as the year goes on we get better and get ourselves in shape to get into the playoffs, and who knows what will happen when you get there."
    The young Bearcats will be hard-pressed to match last season's district success in what could be Class C's toughest district; however, a program as tradition-rich as Grandfield can never be counted out of the playoff hunt and this year's team should remain in contention throughout the season.
    There are a lot of questions surrounding the Bearcats this season, but one thing is certain.  Grandfield's future is bright as Turner noted as the interview closed, "The (underclassmen) are going to get a lot of good playing time this year, and we're definitely looking for some better things in the next year or two."