Football rematch in Waco: Bearkats expecting different outcome

The Sam Houston State University Bearkats are set to line-up for a rematch against the Baylor Bears on Saturday in Waco.

In 2010 the Bearkats lost to the Bears 3-34 in SHSU’s season opener in Waco but have since moved on and are ready to come out with a win.

“We got older and more experienced players,” Head Coach Willie Fritz said. “We know what we’re doing now offensively.”

Last Saturday’s season opener against the University of Incarnate word, the Bearkats experienced difficulties in the first quarter avoiding penalties and protecting the football.

“There were a lot [of mistakes] that were first game mechanics. You can do all of the organizational practicing that you want to until you get there and there are officials and a crowd,” Fritz said. “I’m glad we’ve got that game under our system and I’m glad we’re playing this week.”

According to Fritz, the team has been working to address the first game problems in practice by working every aspect of their offense; from developing their passing game to running options.

“We’re going to try and do everything,” Fritz said. “We’re going to run some option element and have some vertical passing and things we think we can do to get speed in a lot of space.”

Currently the Bearkats have four players on their roster that grew up in Waco and it’s surrounding towns. According to senior defensive back Dax Swanson, playing back home will bring emotional ties playing in front of family, friends and old football coaches.

“It’s going to be nice going back home. I got a lot of family and friends coming down to support me so it’ll be nice,” the defensive back said. “All of my old high school coaches will be coming. They’ve been calling me and texting me telling me good luck.” 

Junior quarterback Brian Bell sees going back home to Waco as a chance to bring Bearkat pride to Bear Country. 

“It’ll be a nice little treat to get all of our family and friends to support by wearing Bearkat colors instead of green and gold,” Bell said.

In the end, the Bell and Swanson see Saturday’s game as another week and another chance to come out victorious against another opponent.

“Of course it’s going to be nice to go back there and play close to home but we’re just going to look at it as another day and go in there a compete and come out with a victory,” Bell said.

“I want to come back to Sam Houston with a win,” Swanson said. 

Saturday’s game against Baylor will be broadcasted on national television on Fox College Sports. Kick off is at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.gobearkats.com along with a full Bearkat roster and schedule.