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The McGuire-Effect: Bridge City Football Getting Back On Track With McGuire at the Helm
THE BANNER LOOMS LARGE INSIDE LARRY WARD STADIUM ON THE CAMPUS OF BRIDGE CITY HIGH SCHOOL – THE 1960 STATE CHAMPIONS.
When Dr. Mike Kelly arrived as the new Superintendent, he started a drastic culture change starting with an investment in coaches and facilities.
He tabbed Cody McGuire, who had coached at perennial power Austin Westlake, to lead his football program and be the Athletic Director. McGuire took a 1-6 team in 2020 to a 4-6 programa year ago.
“I want to thank our community, school board and Dr. Kelly,” McGuire said. “The recent upgrades to the weight room, track, field turf and tennis courts has everyone fired up.”
Going into year two, McGuire is ready to take another step inside his program.“ When I interviewed, I could tell this community was hungry to get things back on track,” he said. “Your second year, you feel like will be better than your first year for several reasons. The seniors worked so hard last year and really bought into the system. That carried over with the guys coming back, who have continued to work hard. We expect them to do some great things.
“Having the guys for an entire offseason and summer together, we’ve seen our strength and speed increase incredibly. We are going to be better for it in 2022.”
For McGuire, it’s simple. He explains that there are five ways to get on the field for him.
“It starts with playing hard every play at practice and in the game,” he said. “You have to have knowledge of your assignment. If you don’t know what to do, we can’t put you out on the field. Are you physical and tough? This is a tough sport. You have to be a great teammate and uplift your brothers. And finally, are you a playmaker? It comes down to Godgiven talent. Can you play?”
McGuire came over from Westlake under the tutelage of legendary coach Todd Dodge. He also had stops at Tomball, Klein Collins and Lockhart High School.
“The thing about Westlake is the culture – they would play anyone, anytime, anywhere,” he said. “They aren’t scared of anyone. That is what we are trying to build here.”
It starts up front with offensive lineman Matthew Livingston, who will need to control the line of scrimmage. Sebastian Sandino and Keaton Watts will also help in the trenches. Tight end Noah Broussard will stretch the field, while Caden Welch will run between the tackles. Sophomore Hutch Bearden, will need to step up in the QB role and watch for Case McGuire at receiver.
On defense, JS Beardon will run the show as an outside linebacker. The all-state selection will set the tone for Nick Lejeune, Rayburn Hebert, Stephen Stone and Jagger Carlin. Landon and Keaton Watts and Mason Pruitt should play bigger roles in 2022 on defense along with Kayden Kibodeaux and Jerry Winfrey.
“Our goal is to make the playoffs,” he said. “That’s always the goal, right? We need to focus on being the best team on the field every Friday night.”
That banner will still loom large.
Buna Baseball
SETX Baseball Who's Left presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors
The UIL Baseball Regional Semi-Finals are here. Let's see who's left from the SETX region and how they got here.
4A REGION III
Orangefield (23-7-2)
Orangefield will face Rusk
Thursday, May 27, 7:00 PM at Sam Houston St. University
How Orangefield got here:
- BI-DISTRICT: Def. Liberty
- AREA: Def. Sealy
- REGIONAL Quarters: Def. Hardin-Jefferson
After reaching the Regional Quarterfinals three out of the last four years, Orangefield got over the hump and now plays in the Regional Semis. This squad looks to make history by reaching the state tournament for the first time ever.
...
3A REGION III
Buna (23-10-1)
Buna will face Cameron Yoe
Game 1: Wednesday, May 26, 7:00 PM at Sam Houston St. University
Game 2: Saturday, May 29, 3:00 PM at Grand Oaks
Game 3: Saturday, May 29, 5:00 PM at Grand Oaks *if necessary
How Buna got here:
- BI-DISTRICT: Def. Hardin
- AREA: Def. Boling
- REGIONAL Quarters: Def. Anderson-Shiro
Buna is back in the Regional Semi-Finals for the first time since 2008. That same year the Cougars went on to the state semifinals. After losing the first game, the Buna Cougars defeated Anderson-Siro 2-1 in game two and clinched the series with a 3-2 victory. The Cougars are riding high and hope to carry the momentum against a tough Cameron Yoe team.
...
Woodville (31-6-1)
Woodville will face Malakoff
Game 1: Thursday, May 27, 7:00 PM at Nacogdoches High School
Game 2: Saturday, May 29, 2:00 PM at Nacogdoches High School
Game 3: Saturday, May 29, 4:00 PM at Nacogdoches High School *if necessary
How Woodville got here:
- BI-DISTRICT: Def. Huntington
- AREA: Def. New Waverly
- REGIONAL Quarters: Def. Nacogdoches Central Heights
Woodville returns to the Regional Semi-Finals for the first time since the '07 season. The Eagles have had a great season so far, posting 30 wins and winning the 22-3A District Crown. Woodville is confident in themselves and believe that this team can return to the state tournament.
...
2A REGION IV
Evadale (22-8)
Evadale will face Sabinal
Game 1: Thursday, May 27, at 7:00 PM at Navasota
Game 2: Saturday, May 29, 2:30 PM at Navasota
Game 3: Saturday, May 29, 4:30 PM at Navasota *if necessary
How Evadale got here:
- BI-DISTRICT: Def. Somerville
- AREA: Def. Thorndale
- REGIONAL Quarters: Def. Holland
Evadale posted an undefeated district record of 14-0 on their way to a 12-2A district championship. The Rebels had lost just one game since April 9th until their series against Holland, but Evadale won the rubber match 3-1 clinching the series 2-1. Evadale faces a Sabinal team who knows how to score runs. Expect this series to be a high-scoring affair.
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