Bremond

BREMOND TIGERS LeadingroleswellmannedinBremond

Depthaconcern,butlastseason’sexperiencewithinjurieshasteamfocusedonrebounding

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

Bremond typically has some of the state’s best football players for its classification, and this year is no exception. A half dozen Tigers could start for any Class2AteaminTexasand, for that matter, probably most 3A or even 4A teams.

Depth, however, is another story.

It’s always a concern with smaller schools, but Bremond has firsthand experience of what happens when you can’t adequately replace key players. The Tigers were ranked eighth in 2A Division II by Texas Football to start last season, but injuries to three players early in the year put the Tigers on a rollercoaster journey that ended with a 36-34 bi-district loss to Snook. Bremond’s 5-6record was its worst in seven seasons.

The good news is Bremond returns nine starters each way. The concern is that the newcomers have yet to distinguish themselves.

“We were in the same boat last year,” Bremond coach Jeff Kasowski said. “We don’t have a whole lot of depth, and that’s a common problem at our level. If we can keep everyone healthy, they’vebeeninthe program—theyknowwhat they’re doing. They know how to do it, and they play extremely hard, just like Bremond Tigers do. So if we can just stay healthy, I feel like we have a chance to do really good.”

The team’s seniors lead the way. Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Bremond quarterback Seth Kasowski, standing, is readyto operate again behind an offensive line that includes RileySlafka, from left, J.D. McNutt, Nolan Hopcus and Garrett Mitchell.

Running back/safety JT Anthony, widereceiver/defensive end Casey Garrett, wide receiver/linebacker Dalton Wilganowski and linemen Nolan Hopcus, Garrett Mitchell and JD McNutt are two-way starters with all-state aspirations.

“There’s a lot of quality thereinthosesix,” Kasowski said.

Add juniors Hunter Wilganowski (WR/LB), Riley Slafka (OT/DT) and quarterbackSethKasowski, the coach’s son, andthat’s nine quality players. Bremond just needs to find others to complement them.

“We’re just so thin with kids who are sure enough good football players that are ready to go on the varsity level,” Kasowski said.

The Tigers had to lean on untested players last season after losing Garrett toabrokenankle, Anthony to a broken leg and centerdefensive tackle Holden Fuller to a knee injury.

“It definitely made us tougher,” Seth Kasowski said. “Wewereslimaround midseasonlastyear. Wehad four or five guys out with injuries. It really helped us push through. We won some big games in there. It really helped us mold and mature as the year went on and hopefully pushes into this year.”

Seth Kasowski, who played wide receiver his sophomore season, threw for1,638yardsand19touchdowns with four interceptions on 102-of-183 passing. Healsorushedfor332yards and four touchdowns.

Seth Kasowski said he was more than prepared mentally to play quarterback.

“You’ve been around the game your whole life and kind of know how everything works,” the 160-pounder said. “But you’re always expected [to do] more as a coach’s kid. There’s always been more pressure put on you, but I like the pressure.”

Coach Kasowski expects

See BREMOND, Page 42