The Lyford Bulldogs are heading into the new season with something to prove after missing the playoffs last year.

Head Coach Jerry Jauregui says the team spent the offseason rethinking its approach. One of the biggest decisions still up in the air is who will start at quarterback, with junior John Reyna and Ryan Gonzalez competing for the spot.

Both players saw time on the field last season. Gonzalez threw for 1,203 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Reyna played wide receiver as a sophomore, picking up 195 yards and 1 touchdown.

"We evaluated the whole program the whole offseason and took a step back and made some changes. We had to go back to the drawing board and figure this out," Head Coach Jerry Jauregui said. "Not getting to the playoffs was a bad taste in our mouth but we're ready to go this year."

Jauregui says the experience this young team gained last season should help them compete in district play.

"It's going to be a tough district. The good thing is these dogs are ready to go and we expect us to be in that playoff hunt and the district hunt as well which is our number one goal cause that puts us in the best position to make a run in the playoffs," Jauregui said.

Senior wide receiver and safety Austin Chavez says the team has bigger goals in mind.

"We're looking to definitely win district but we're looking to make it past the first round. It's been a while since we made it past the first round and playoffs and I really want to do that," Chavez said.

The Bulldogs open the season on the road against Falfurrias, La Villa and Santa Rosa. They will then host Brownsville Porter in their final non-district game before district play begins in Week 5 at home against Rio Hondo.

Week 6 brings a matchup against Bishop. The second half of the season includes games against Santa Gertrudis, Progreso and San Diego before closing out with a rivalry game against Raymondville.