Cross Roads Bobcats football coach Daniel Pierce started fall practice upbeat over the players he has on hand for 2022 .

“ We ’ re excited for this new year ,” Pierce said . “ We spent some time over the summer and in the off season and it ’ s paying off .”

Cross Roads was 5-4 last year , playing an outlaw schedule rather than under the University Interscholastic League banner . Now they ’ re located in District 7-2A Division I . It ’ ll take the Bobcats best effort in league play , but they seem excited at the challenge .

“ We had some kids brought in in the past , but this year , it seems a little more intense ,” Pierce said .

“ We ’ re proud of them and ready to see what happens .”

The Bobcats have more proven players to stand in the gap this year than last season .

“ We have quite a few guys coming back ,” Pierce said . “ Our numbers have improved . Good things are happening and we ’ re ready to see it on the field .”

The returning starter breakdown is

eight on offense and seven on defense .

“ Defensively we should be OK , as far as taking a step forward ,” Pierce said . “ We ’ ve got some experience coming back at the linebacker position . The corners and safeties are coming back , as well ,”

They also have some stout players to battle in the trenches .

“ We ’ ve got some linemen looking to step up and make some big impact up front ,” Pierce said .

Quarterback Riley Brown and Wide Receiver Bub Latham are players to watch when the Bobcats have the ball . Running Back Preston Otis could be an offensive threat , as well .

“ Offensively we also look good ,” Pierce said . “ We ’ re looking to get some things fine tuned . Some kids are learning new positions , but we ’ re not

Our numbers have improved . Good things are happening and we ’ re ready to see it on the field . — Daniel Pierce

DANIEL PIERCE HEAD COACH

changing too much of the system .” For Pierce , winning is important , but there ’ s much more to the experience of coaching a locker room full of young men . He said his staff enjoys that part of their job .

“ We have fun doing what we do ,” Pierce said . “ We like just helping these kids grow as young human beings and helping them grow , not just in football but in the classroom and life .”

Beyond athletics , the Cross Roads School District is a good place to coach sports and for students to develop academically and as part of the community . “ It ’ s a great environment ,” Pierce said . “ We hope to help them anyway we can ”

The Bobcats open Aug . 26 at All Saints Episcopal . The District opener is on the road against favorite Italy Sept . 23 .

CROSS ROADS BOBCATS

GAME CHANGERS

Senior defensive back Bub Latham has a knack for being where the ball is and picked off an eye-popping five passes last year . He ’ s also credited with breaking up 16 . If someone gets loose in the secordary , Latham can track them down , with 42 solo tackles and 36 assisted . Latham

40 | Fanfare 2022

2022 SCHEDULE