Burnet Bulldogs battling in lineman’s challenges, 7-on-7 and for starting quarterback

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — Burnet High School football players are using the summer to get better in a number of ways besides strength and conditioning.

While the skill players played 7-on-7 football, the linemen were competing in lineman’s challenges.

The lineman’s challenges are especially interesting, Bulldogs head football coach Kurt Jones said, because obstacles can vary from competition to competition.

During the Llano lineman’s challenge June 23, players sprinted for 20 yards with the football, participated in three-man tug-of-war contests, walked on their hands while lifting weights as a teammate held up each leg and fought one on one over a medicine by trying to push it past an opponent.

“It’s great for our kids to compete,” Jones said. “Four of our five starting offensive starters (were there.) They’re super-competitive and tough kids who’ll get after you.”

But the younger linemen also are getting better, he said, noting they’re learning how to compete.

“It’s fun for them,” the coach said. “I have no doubt we’ll have salty play from our linemen.”

And In the midst of participating in summer strength-and-conditioning workouts and playing in 7-on-7 leagues and qualifying for the state tournaments for the ninth time is a quarterback battle between senior Taylor Barksdale and junior Austin Moore.

Coaches say it’s too close to call.

“It really is,” Jones said. “I know that sounds like the standard answer. We feel like we have two great kids. We feel like we’re watching them get better and compete.”

The two are the latest vying to drive the offensive machine that’s produced former quarterbacks Derek Kiser, Weston Cozby, Dillon Chafin, Cullen Stifflemire and Stephen McGee.

To prepare for the state 7-on-7 tournament, Burnet will scrimmage Belton and Copperas Cove at 6 p.m. July 7 at Bulldawg Stadium, 402 Williams St. in Copperas Cove.

Jones said part of the Bulldogs’ success can be traced to several factors. Among them are familiarity with the system and coaches, players wanting to be a part of the system and the tradition of winning.

And 7-on-7, which allows the Bulldogs to call the same passing plays they have in their spread offense, also helps.

“We’re getting to continue to practice our offense,” Jones said. “That’s great for us.”

Other than lifting weights, the Bulldogs had not practiced much football from Dec. 2 until April 4.

And offensive players have not been the only ones to benefit from playing 7-on-7. Jones noted linebackers and the secondary also play.

At least seven opponents utilize their version of the spread offense, he said.

“It’s good for the kids,” he said.

No matter who eventually wins this battle, Jones said fans can rest assured the Burnet offense is in good hands with either Barksdale or Moore.

“We feel like we have two solid quarterbacks we can put on the field and help us win,” he said. “When we get back in August, we’ll get to watch them in pads and in scrimmages.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com