After losing a significant number of starters to graduation, the Pilot Point Bearcats will have a lot of new faces in new positions as they enter into the 2026 season.
While the Bearcats' new talent settles into position, Worrell said one area the team will rely on heavily is their defensive line, led by defensive end Jason Rangel and defensive tackle duo Josh Martinez and Kaleb Reid.
“We have three of our front four on defense coming back, and that’s where we’re the deepest and the most solid on defense,” Worrell said. “Everyone else is a new start, who are starting their first game on Friday night, so I’ve really leaned those three to anchor our defense early in the season while the guys behind them are learning their roles.
Reid said the trio understands the responsibility they have to their teammates as they step into leadership roles.
“It feels great to know the coaches are looking to us to set the tone, but that means we need to play with tenacity every play and do what we can to keep everyone’s energy up every snap,” he said.
Martinez echoed his fellow defensive tackle’s sentiments.
“Coach Worrell knows that he can trust us to lift the team, and if a bad play happens, we know how to turn things around by moving on from it and continuing to play hard,” he said.
Reid also said the group has worked hard during the offseason to prepare for the physicality of the regular season.
“Playing in the trenches is a lot of work, and our coaches really emphasize playing with a high motor and being active, so we really focused on building our strength and stamina during summer workouts,” he said.
Rangel added that the improved stamina should prove beneficial with the high level of play that is expected of them this season.
“The three of us are probably going to be on the field every play on defense, so we needed that conditioning,” he said.
Martinez, who also competes on the Bearcats’ powerlifting team, said the increased weight training could also have a big impact.
“I started powerlifting last year, and I feel like I’ve come back stronger, and I know that’s going to help push through the other team’s line and get into the backfield and put more pressure on the offense,” he said.
With the season kickoff right around the corner, Rangel emphasized that the Bearcats will be doing everything they can to wreak havoc on opposing teams’ offenses.
“We’re a little undersized, but we have a lot of speed on our defense, and we can use that to our advantage,” he said. “We play hard every single play, whether we’re blowing a team out or playing from behind, and if we continue to do that, we’ll be fine.”
