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The Bastrop Bears are eager to ignite the 2024-25 football season as they clash with the Alvin Yellowjackets in a non-district matchup Friday night at Alvin Memorial Stadium.
Coming off a 5-5 overall season and a fifthplace dist r ict finish with a 2-4 record, the Bears look to build on their strong start from last year. Bastrop won its 2023 season opener against Lehman 29-15.
The Yellowjackets, who ended their season last year with a 2-8 overall record and a last-place district finish at 0-7, will be seeking improvement this year.
Bastrop boasts an experienced lineup with 10 returning starters on both sides of the ball. The Bears’ offense was effective last season, averaging 25.2 points per game.
Sophomore quarterback Weston Nielson, who accounted for 1,118 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in his freshman year, is expected to play a bigger role this season after the graduation of former quarterback Braden Tuck.
Also returning for the Bears are senior running back Ladianian Merino, who led Bastrop with 833 rushing yards and five touchdowns , and senior wide receiver Keyshon Moore, who recorded 1,098 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Yellowjackets return seven starters on offense and six on defense, with key players including quarterback Drew Bingman, linebacker Kadyn Hodson and defensive end/tight end Zane Bailey.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Alvin Memorial Stadium, 1300 W. Dumble St. in Alvin.
