To the surprise of, well, no one, turnout was once again big for the Aledo Bearcats spring football workouts, which began on Thursday, April 18 at 6:45 a.m.
But then, when each season brings the anticipation of another state championship - the program has 12 in all, most in Texas history - who doesn't want to be a part.
Robby Jones, who is set to begin his second season as Bearcats head coach, said 180 athletes turned out in all, 46 juniors (seniors to be), 54 sophomores and 80 freshmen.
"We have a lot of kids, which makes for some good competition for jobs," Jones said.
Jones led the Bearcats to a 16-0 record and the Class 5A Division I state championship in his first season at the helm in 2023. He was also the offensive coordinator for 10 of their 11 previous championships (the exception being the first in 1998).
Practices are at 6:45 a.m. with the following schedule going forward: April 29, May 1-2, May 6-9, May 13-16, with the annual Spring Game being played at 7 a.m. on Friday, May 17.
"We plan on having baseball and softball playoff games to attend this time of year, so we plan our spring game not conflicting with their playoff games," Jones said.
Sure enough, the Ladycats and Bearcats are entering the postseason. Softball began the postseason at press time and baseball will get underway the weekend of May 2-4.
The Bearcats' lone scrimmage will be against Mansfield Timber view at Newsom Stadium in Mansfield on Aug. 22, time to be announced.
They follow that by putting their 30-game win streak dating to 2022 on the line with a trip to open the regular season against perennial 6A power Denton Guyer on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at C.H. Collins Stadium in Denton.
The first home game of the season will be the second game. The Lancaster Tigers, a 5A Region I semifinalist last season moving up to 6A in 2024, will come to Buchanan Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Those are the only two pre-district contests for the Bearcats as they play in the nine-team District 3-5A Division I. All district games begin at 7 p.m. with the following schedule.
Sept. 13, Brewer Bears at Brewer Stadium.
Sept. 20, Birdville Hawks at Buchanan Stadium (homecoming).
Sept. 26, Keller Fossil Ridge Panthers at Keller ISD Stadium.
Oct. 4, Denton Ryan Raiders at Buchanan Stadium (Band/Dance Parent Night)
Oct. 11, Granbury Pirates at Pirate Stadium.
Oct. 18, open date.
Oct. 25, Richland Royals at Buchanan Stadium.
Nov. 1, Azle Hornets at Azle Stadium.
Nov. 8, Denton Broncos at Buchanan Stadium (Football Senior Parent Night).
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