San Marcos — All across Texas cleats are digging into practice fields, but at San Marcos Baptist Academy they’ll be digging into a new era.

After inheriting only three starters from last year’s squad, first year head coach Brian Gaylor will need to not only re-write the recipe, but also rebuild the kitchen.

“They’ve been willing to listen to our advice and have bought into our system.” said Gaylor of the open ears and attitudes that the players have brought with them in the preseason.

The program’s fresh start will also include both a new offensive and new defensive system.

The ball-control based Slot-T offense is the special ingredient that Gaylor hopes will drive the Bears to their third straight playoff appearance.

The new defense, a 3-3 stack, will provide multiple looks and possible blitz schemes to show their opponents.

Despite going 7-14 over the past two years, the Bears have clawed their way into the postseason both years, only to suffer through back-to-back first-round exits, falling last year to Bay Area Christian.

The road to the playoffs won't get any easier this season. SMBA was realigned from 3A to 4A Div II District-3, where they will face possible title contenders Victoria-St. Joseph’s and San Antonio Christian in consecutive weekends in October .

When the Bears open the season against Medina on Aug. 28, Gaylor said he hopes to see “a cohesive unit, playing smart, with no penalties,” and “for some of the young guys to step up and fill the holes.”

The possible success of the Bears’ season will hinge on the development of these young players. If they are able to adapt to the offense and stay healthy, then another playoff birth could be within their grasp.



Offense

On offense, Gaylor has installed the Slot T, a formation designed to control the game by controlling the clock.

“I feel like we can control the ball and move the chains down the field,” said Gaylor. “We'll need to avoid penalites and turnovers, we're not a '3rd and 15' team.”

The Bears have a solid backfield and offensive line, and if everyone stays healthy there's a chance for the backs to put up big numbers in this offense. It all starts in the trenches where juniors Michael Young and Yaz Gaylor anchor a solid offensive line that will look to make room for seniors, tailback Marc Hamm and fullback Keith Shimek.

New transfer student Anthony Richardson is a natural playmaker with great speed. Richardson, a junior, will be under center for the Bears, giving them a dual threat quarterback, perfect for running the deceptive Slot T ground attack.

The team lacks overall depth and must avoid injuries to any starters, many of whom are two-way starters.



Defense

On defense, the Bears have implemented a 3-3 stack formation to bring more pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the opponents backfield.

“This (formation) will give us a lot of flexibility on defense,” said Gaylor. “We’re able to disguise our blitz packages, but still have enough speed on the field to match up with multiple receiver sets.”

Young, Hamm and Shimek will be the backbone of the defense as the only returning starters. Defensive back Hamm has been a ball hawk in practice and could improve on his two interceptions from 2007.

Last year as a sophmore, defensive lineman Malcolm Williams recorded six sacks in a game against Runge. Now a year older and stronger, Williams will be a fixture on the Bears' defensive line.



Special Teams

Another tradition Gaylor is starting at SMBA, The Hatchet Award, is an award given after every game, and is based soley on a player's performance on special teams coverage.

Coach Gaylor has been thoroughly impressed with junior kicker Trey Banks.

“Trey has a powerful leg. He'll provide us some real opportunities,” said Gaylor.

According to several coaches, Banks has shown the ability to kick field goals from 40 yards out.