Preseason Preview: Bridgeland Bears Set Sights on a Title Run

<!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bridgeland Bears enter 2025 with championship aspirations after a memorable 2024 campaign. The Bears rolled to a 12-2 overall record, went 7-0 in district play, and secured their third straight district crown. Their postseason run included a 10-game winning streak before coming to an end in the Regional Finals against perennial power Duncanville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That deep playoff push provided valuable experience for Bridgeland's talented underclassmen, many of who are now stepping into leadership roles. With several key contributors returning on both sides of the ball, the Bears are built to contend once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively the skill positions are in great hands, returning the top rusher, a very solid receiving core, and a dynamic quarterback. The o-line brings back 2 starters and a strong group of linemen ready to lead the way. The defense will have 3 returning starters commanding the backend in the secondary, locking down the air space. The Bears will face an early test in their non-district matchup with the Dawson Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Key Players To Watch:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609196"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab3542f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schwab was the engine of the Bears' offense last season, proving he can carry a heavy workload and keep the unit in rhythm. His blend of agility, strength, and vision makes him a nightmare to bring down, as he consistently sheds tackles and creates explosive plays. Schwab has a knack for turning broken or negative plays into momentum-shifting gains of 20 yards or more. A true chain-mover with home run ability, he can slice through lanes with speed and accelerate past defenders in the open field. His balance and elusiveness make him equally dangerous between the tackles or bouncing runs outside. As a proven playmaker and one of the area's premier backs, Schwab will once again be the focal point of Bridgeland's offense and a name to know this season and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tyler Begeal","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"189","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bridgeland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab355cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Begeal is a decisive quarterback who trusts his reads and wastes no time letting the ball fly. Confident in his eyes and his teammates, he delivers with urgency and precision, allowing the offense to stay in rhythm. When given time, Begeal can pick apart a defense, showcasing his accuracy and command of the game. His arm strength stands out, as he consistently fits throws into tight windows and places the ball where only his receivers can make a play. His most impressive trait is his ability to protect the ball, limiting mistakes and keeping drives alive. Called upon once again to lead the Bears, Begeal enters the season with higher expectations and the poise to elevate his play as Bridgeland chases a championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chase Allen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"285","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bridgeland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab356b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allen is a powerful, technically sound lineman who excels at creating space and opening lanes for his teammates. Quick to lock onto defenders, he uses his strength and leverage to control engagements, often driving opponents out of position or taking them for a rides down the field. Once his hands are on defenders, Allen dictates where they will end up. He is a smooth puller with the agility to reach the second level, where he punishes smaller defenders in space and clears running lanes with force. He is quick enough to cross-face linemen and excels at sealing players off. Tenacious and relentless through the whistle, Allen brings an edge that frustrates opponents and sets the tone in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jordan Harris","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bridgeland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab35796"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harris is a physical, confident corner who thrives in tight coverage. He limits separation with his speed and agility, staying glued to receivers and making it difficult for opponents to gain an edge. Beyond coverage, Harris plays with urgency downhill, stepping up to deliver stops on short-yardage plays and keeping offenses off schedule. With sharp awareness and the ability to read and react quickly, he consistently makes timely plays for the defense. Harris embraces any matchup and brings a competitive edge that sets the tone in the secondary. Poised to be a leader on this defense, he leads not just with his presence, but with his consistent, high-level play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Austin Holcomb","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"285","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bridgeland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab3586e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holcomb is a versatile lineman who brings stability and toughness to the trenches, excelling at both guard and tackle. In pass protection, he is a wall using his size, frame, and strength to neutralize rushers and keep the pocket clean. Holcomb has the ability to turn defenders out of lanes, creating space in the run game, and shows the power to hold his ground against disruptive playmakers. With his versatility, strength, and consistency, Holcomb will be a key returner for the Bears and an anchor piece along the offensive line as they pursue another deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nicholas Bright","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bridgeland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab35949"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bright is a lockdown corner with elite instincts and natural ball skills. He displays outstanding awareness in coverage, consistently positioning himself to contest throws and create pass breakups at the catch point. With smooth hips, strong leverage, and sharp technique, Bright can match up against any receiver, neutralizing top targets on the perimeter. Beyond coverage, he diagnoses plays quickly and isn't afraid to get downhill to make stops near the line of scrimmage. His open-field tackling makes him a reliable last line of defense, while his aggressive, confident style in high-pressure moments elevates his game to another level. Bright is the type of corner who makes life miserable for opposing receivers and brings a dominant presence to the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1774949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad14ab359b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Graves is a versatile, all-around safety who impacts the game in every phase. In coverage, he thrives in the slot, staying tight to receivers with minimal separation and showcasing impressive recovery speed to close gaps and disrupt passes. When opportunities arise, he's quick to dislodge the ball and turn defense into momentum. Against the run, Graves plays a physical brand of football, getting downhill with urgency and delivering punishing stops in the box. His length and stride allow him to cover large amounts of ground efficiently, while his decisiveness ensures he rarely hesitates in pursuit. With his blend of size, speed, and toughness, Graves is only scratching the surface of his potential and projects as one of the top safeties in the area for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->