Pearce optimistic about upcoming season despite tough schedule; Meet the Bucks planned for tonight, Aug. 16
By Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
Fans and coaches got their first look at the Breckenridge Buckaroo varsity and junior varsity football teams, suited up and in action, on the field during their annual Watermelon Scrimmage at Buckaroo Stadium last Saturday. Tonight, they will get a chance to meet all the Breckenridge High School fall athletic team members, staff and coaches, as well as others, during the annual Meet the Bucks event, starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Breckenridge High School 2024 intra-team Watermelon Scrimmage was held Aug. 10 at Buckaroo Stadium. Click here to see more photos from the event. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Before the Watermelon Scrimmage on Aug. 10, players, coaches and staff from the varsity and junior varsity teams, along with players and staff of the Lady Buckaroos volleyball team, had official individual and team photos taken by local photographer Elle Jackson. Various media representatives from Breckenridge and Abilene were on hand, taking photos and interviewing coaches, as part of Media Day.
Following the scrimmage, BHS Head Football Coach and BISD Athletic Director Casey Pearce said it will be exciting to see what this year holds and he’s looking forward to the upcoming football season with optimism, despite facing a challenging schedule.
“It’s a different vibe than we’ve had in a few years,” Pearce said. “So it’s exciting to see what this year holds, and we’re excited to see some of these guys grow up and be football players. We’re gonna take some lumps. It’s gonna be rough early, but I think we’re going to grow as a team and get ready to play together. I mean, this group with some news faces, has a different complexion and (it’s) kind of exciting to see what might happen. ”
Pearce also highlighted the addition of new staff members, including Cody Parker. He also praised the arrival of Byron and Emily Gravitt, whose coaching expertise and children are expected to bolster the athletic program. Byron is the special teams coordinator for the football program, and his wife, Emily, is the head volleyball coach.
“We’ve got a great staff,” Pearce said “I think we’ve got some youth and some energy with the addition of (coaches Jed) Vaughn and (Kooper) Shook and a new face coming back to town, Cody Parker. We got some tradition here with that family name, and he’s gonna come back and work and really help us.
“I think adding Byron and Emily Gravitt and their family will be a boost in the arm of this athletic program, and obviously, having two kids added is going to be huge, and then the coaching ability of those two coaches will be exciting to see,” he continued. “Coach Gravitt has brought some balance to my life here. In the last few weeks, he’s kept my head on straight, so it’s fun to coach with him.”
Following the scrimmage, watermelon was served to players, coaches and fans. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
The Buckaroos face a daunting non-district schedule, opening against Holliday, a regional finalist last year; followed by Childress, an area finalist; Cisco, Eastland and state finalist Tolar for the homecoming game. See the complete schedule below or click here to download a copy of the schedule.
District play opens with Clyde at home, and then the Buckaroos will be on the road to Tuscola. Pearce said those are going to be tough games, but it could flip the script for the season if they can handle their business in the first couple of weeks of district play.
After that, they have two big games at home against Comanche and Sweetwater and finish up district play on the road in San Angelo against Texas Leadership Charter Academy.
“So, it’d be nice to roll into San Angelo knowing we’re getting ready for that week 11,” Pearce said. “And you know, it’s just, it’s a new day, a new year. It felt a little different today (at the Watermelon Scrimmage).”
Buckaroo fans will have a chance to meet the 2024 Buckaroo football, volleyball and cross country teams, as well as the marching band, cheerleaders, flag corps, helmet crew and others at Meet the Bucks. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, Aug. 16, at Buckaroo Stadium.
2024 Breckenridge Buckaroos Varsity Football Team and Coaching Staff
(Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Cutline, top photo: Breckenridge High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Casey Pearce talks to the 2024 varsity Buckaroo football team after the Watermelon Scrimmage on Aug. 10. Click here to see more photos from the scrimmage. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
2024 Breckenridge Buckaroo Football Schedule
For more Breckenridge Texan sports news, click the following links:
Breckenridge Ballerz basketball team wins Abilene tournament
Mets pick BHS graduate Owen Woodward in MLB draft
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