Tigers to get first test versus Bullard
Tyriq Burnett, who has been recognized as an All-State performer at his defensive line spot each of the past two seasons, will get his first reps against another 4A school once Wills Point hosts the Bullard Panthers.
After two weeks on the practice field, the Wills Point Tigers will finally get their first look at another opponent when they host the Bullard Panthers Aug. 13 at Ken Autry Davis Field.
The game against Bullard will be one of two planned scrimmages for the Tigers, and should provide a good test for the season ahead.
The Panthers, participating in District 9-4A Division I this season, finished 7-4 overall last season, including 4-1 overall in their district.
Bullard will arrive in Wills Point with one of the Class of 2017’s top tight end prospects in Major Tennison. The 6’4”, 250 lb.
Tennison has long been on the radar screen of Division I colleges. That interest has only intensified over the most recent season with Tennison hauling in 27 receptions for 603 yards and eight touchdowns. A onetime University of Texas commit, Tennison received an offer from UCLA just last month.
Other players to watch for the Panthers will include veteran quarterback Cleet Bowman, who finished last season with 1,153 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, and running back Brooks Parham, who finished 2015 with 528 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, Wills Point will be tested by a defensive line rotation that includes Parham, as well as Dakota Walsworth and Derek Landrum.
The Panther secondary also returns several veterans, providing a good test for a Tiger team that will look to pass more in the season ahead.
The Tigers will travel to Bonham Aug. 19 for their final preseason scrimmage. Non-district play kicks off for Wills Point Aug. 26 on the road against Tyler Chapel Hill. Home games for the Tigers in 2016 will include hosting Carrollton Ranchview Sept. 2, Hillsboro Sept. 23, Rains Oct. 21 and Ferris Nov. 4.
