2ADaysCropped

Practice for the Brownwood Lions football team is in full swing with fans and coaches who are looking for another great season.  Lions head coach Bob Shipley said that although many starters from last year’s team graduated, several are returning.  Many other players will be looking to make the starting squad this year as well.

“We have a lot of different guys at every position and a few starters that will be back this year,” stated Shipley.  “There are about 7-8 offensive spots and 7-8 defensive spots; they all know they have to apply for these positions and starters will be announced the week of the first game.”

Shipley said that he is not only looking forward to seeing what new talent players bring to the team this year, but he is excited about additions to the coaching staff as well.

“We have four new coaches and I’m excited about all four of them,” said Shipley.   “Each of them brings something distinctive to our team.”

Andy Howard:   A former Lions coach who most recently was at Early High School was Shipley’s first hire of the four.  He’ll be co-defensive coach, secondary and special teams.

Bryce Monsen:  Held the position of Head Coach at Temple High School.  “He is an outstanding coach and an outstanding man,” Shipley said.

Jim Taylor:  Brings 10 years of experience as a head coach.  Taylor is also coming from Temple High School and will be the inside receivers coach.

Brian Clark:  An All-State Player who is a former BHS Lion, coached with Sam Harrell at Ennis and has been to 3 state championships, “he knows about winning,” Shipley said.

Looking ahead, Shipley said that although every game during the season is important, a few stand out in his mind.  One matchup that he thinks will help bring out the true character of the team is against Stephenville.

“This is our biggest pre-district game,” Shipley said. “Playing Stephenville gives us a really good idea as a team where we stand.  They tend to expose our weaknesses.”

District play in Brownwood’s 5-3A Class is obviously very important this year as well, and Shipley hopes the Lions will be fine tuned and ready.

“We have to be ready each week,” Shipley stated.  “With only four district games, the district play is like a playoff series itself.  There’s no room for errors.”

All teams in Brownwood’s district are strong according to Shipley and should make for some exciting football.

“Snyder is expected to go a long way and be a really good team,” Shipley said.  “Wylie is always a good team.   Big Springs and Sweetwater are also going to be good because they have a lot of returning players this year.”

The Lions travel to Eastland on Friday, August 12 for their first scrimmage.   Meet the Lions, where all fall sports teams will be introduced to the public, will be held on August 22 at Gordon Wood Stadium.  CLICK HERE for the Brownwood Lions 2011 football schedule.

For more photos of practice see photo gallery below.

{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=271|

limitstart=0|limitcount=1|detail=0|displayname=1|

displaydetail=1|imageshadow=shadow1}