‘Happy to be playing football.’ Aledo kicks off practice as 6A, 5A schools begin
Nine-time football state champ Aledo held its first official fall practice on Monday as Class 6A and 5A schools in the state finally get to start after a one-month delay because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The UIL’s two largest classifications were a month behind while most schools in 4A and below have been playing regular-season games. It also includes volleyball, cross country and tennis.
“Happy to be playing football,” Aledo coach Tim Buchanan said. “There are a lot of people in the United States that aren’t playing. We’re playing and practicing and that part of it is good.
“We got tired there at the end and made some mistakes, so we’ll have to run a little more to get into better shape. That will be key before the first game — to get into playing shape.”
The Bearcats, who are the two-time defending Class 5A Division II state champions, practiced with helmets only. They will move to full pads in a week. Class 5A and 6A schools have been doing strength and conditioning since June.
On Monday, Buchanan had to remind his varsity and junior varsity players to stay 6 feet apart and wear a mask if they weren’t doing drills while every coach had face coverings.
“Football is the big thing around here so no one wants a shutdown,” said senior wide receiver JoJo Earle. “We do all the precautions 100 percent, no second thoughts about it.”
Aledo returns 10 starters, including LSU commits Earle and junior safety Bryan Allen Jr.
“Felt good to be out there,” said Earle, a 4-star prospect. “There were a lot of thoughts about the season not happening. It got pushed back a month, but I’m still happy we started.”
Earle is ranked as the No. 10 receiver in the country among the Class of 2021 according to 247Sports. He made 84 catches last season for 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 11 scores.
Only time will tell if Earle can put up similar numbers without quarterback Jake Bishop, who graduated in June.
Buchanan has at least three up for the starting quarterback job in senior Ethan McBrayer, junior Dalton Rapp and sophomore Brant Hayden. “Replacing Jake Bishop is not the easiest thing to do,” Buchanan said of Bishop, who went 46-2 with two state titles as a starter.
McBrayer played at Godley last season and threw for 2,738 yards and 33 touchdowns.
“Biggest thing is, whoever it is, they need to be themselves and not try to be Jake Bishop,” Buchanan said. “They do that and do it well, we’ll be all right.”
Despite losing one of the top running backs in program history in Jase McClellan, who’s now at Alabama, Buchanan said that he has a lot of depth at the position.
The defense will be led by Allen Jr., who 247Sports ranks as the second best 2022 safety in the nation, and senior cornerback DeMarco Roberts. Allen Jr. led the team last season with 122 tackles.
“We’re going to have a great defense this year,” Allen Jr. said. “I’ll have to play a bigger role and communicate more.”
As of Monday, Buchanan has 41 seniors on his roster. He said the group will have to take the leadership role to another level this season.
“Need constant leadership from the senior class. JoJo and DeMarco will have to step up and be leaders and not just them, but all the seniors,” Buchanan said. “If not, we’ll just be another football team.”
“I have to be a voice on the offense,” Earle added. “I like to lead by example, but I’ll need to use my voice more this year.”
Aledo is scheduled to open the season with Parker County neighbor Weatherford at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Globe Life Park.
It will feature the classic teacher versus student storyline as Buchanan faces Aledo grad Billy Mathis, who won three state titles as Aledo’s defensive coordinator before taking the Weatherford job in 2017.
Despite being 15 miles apart, it will be the first meeting in 10 years.
“It’s going to be fun,” Buchanan said. “Billy grew up here and was a good player and coach for us. He’s done a great job with Weatherford, better than what I expected. He’s taken them to the playoffs and has turned that program around.
“Weatherford holds 6,300 and the visitor side isn’t too big. [The athletic directors] got together and took it to Globe Life Park. I’ve seen a couple XFL games and thought it was a neat setting. We’ll probably get 10,000 fans.”
Added Earle: “We know everyone at Weatherford, they’re right down the street. I’m excited.”
This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 3:59 PM.
