Two-a-days opened the 95th edition of San Saba football with a new head coach. After the resignation of Coach Joel Johnson last spring, the school board voted to promote Jeff Pannell to head coach. Pannell has been the baseball coach and assistant football coach.

Several key returning lettermen brings hope of an improved squad on both sides of the ball. The offensive line will be anchored by all-district lineman Tyler McIntosh. Anthony Salinas returns to the line after a few games at fullback last year. Joining them on the line will be John Hartranft, David Smith, Dominic Rosales, Juan Rivera and Wil Sloan.

Quarterback Jack Whitten returns with Gary Gant and Hayden Oliver at running backs. Chance Gotcher and Chase Key return to the receiving corps. Diego Gonzalez will be handling the kicking chores. Gonzalez was voted all-district last year. Pete Torres and Tucker Cromer also return from the 2008 edition.

The defensive side will have Whitten, Cromer, Salinas, Oliver, Gant and McIntosh returning as starters.

The season opens with the DeLeon Bearcats coming to Rogan Field on August 28th. Mason Punchers provide the next opposition leading into the annual “Battle of the River” at Goldthwaite on September 11th. A road trip to Johnson City completes the non-district schedule.

District play opens with a road game at Dublin. The Bangs Dragons come to Rogan field on October 2 for the Dillos Homecoming. A short trip to Brady and the Early Longhorns at home round out the schedule before the Armadillos get a week off. After the rest, San Saba goes to Comanche and ends the regular season at Rogan Field against the Coleman Bluecats.

Size and experience are assets for the team this year with most of the lineman being over 200 lbs. Speed in the back field will be key to the running game.

San Saba is picked 6th in district by most “experts” but a playoff berth is not out of the realm of possibility for this squad.

Come out and support the team as often as possible.