San Marcos — The San Marcos Academy ushers in a new era when the team opens the 2010 season tonight on the road at Class 2A Medina.

The Bears, a TAPPS program, enters the season with a new coach and a new look. And with only three weeks of practice and one scrimmage under their belts, new head coach Les Davis said a number of he has about his team will get answered tonight against the Bobcats.

“This game is a first step on our journey for the season. I just want the kids to continue to improve each game so we can reach our destination,” Davis said. “This will be the first actual game experience for us as a team.”

The Bears are still trying to learn a new offense and defense, but the team’s new spread offense displayed some promise in last week’s scrimmage at St. Andrew’s in Austin.  

SMA’s defense looked strong as well, with Alex Ashley and Cody Watson making numerous stops at defensive ends, and Sabas Castillo and Cameron Whitehead charging up the middle from the defensive tackle and linebacker positions.

The Bears’ running game looks strong with Ty Merriweather and Shayne Boyer expected to carry most of the load.

The team’s passing attack will be spearheaded by a pair of quarterbacks in senior Jonathan Powell, and Aubrey Oswalt, a junior from San Marcos.

Other player expected to make impacts for the Bears include Brett Mackel, Austin Hay, Dalton Wade, and T.J. Wilson.

The coaching staff is also expecting big things from wide receiver Josh McIntyre, tight end John Myers and defensive lineman John Ferguson.

Medina will be looking to avenge last season's 31-28 loss to the Bears in San Marcos.

Coached by Keith Mills, the Bobcats have six players on offense returning and five on defense. Key returning players include fullback/linebacker Armando Rodriguez, tight end Wade Duke and quarterback Jeremy Kennedy. Cooper Sparks is expected to be Medina’s main man on the offensive and defensive lines.

The Bobcats struggled offensively in 2009, averaging only 18.4 points a game while allowing 36.9 in a 1-9 season.  

Davis said the key for his team is to experience success early, avoid the early-season jitters, and cut down on turnovers while adjusting to the Bears’ new spread offense. The defense also has to tackle better than it did in last week’s scrimmage.

“It will be fun to watch who rises to the occasion. We need our offensive and defensive lines to have a great game to set the tone for the season,” Davis said. “ Football is the ultimate team sport, so we need to all play together.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Medina’s Bobcat Stadium.