– The preseason took on an added meaning for Breaux Bridge High linebacker/ running back Cruz Trail and his fellow juniors this season.
With a small senior class of only six players on the BBHS football team this year, Trail and his fellow juniors have picked up the leadership mantle for a team that features more freshmen (19) than juniors and seniors combined (15). Nine sophomores rounded out the preseason roster.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Trail said before the season. “Ups and downs. You’ve got to keep on keeping the (young) ones motivated and keep them working hard.”
Trail went into the season expecting to play a big role on the defense, and with an expanded offensive role at the slotback position.
Despite additional carries and pass receptions on the offensive side, his heart is on the other side of the ball.
“Defense for sure,” he said of his preference for which side of the ball to play. “I like to hit people.”
While injuries kept him out of action for a couple of games he has been one of the team’s leaders on both sides of the ball.
“Since he’s stepped foot on the field for us, he’s just gotten bigger, better, stronger,” BBHS coach Tyler Pierce said. “He started toward the back end of his freshman year. He started all of last year. He kind of had a breakout game for us about midseason last year where you could just see he was coming through. Ever since then he’s been a vocal leader. He’s just a guy that has a presence to him.”
Breaux Bridge plays its final home game of the season on Friday, celebrating Senior Day and honoring the senior football and other fall sports seniors. The
JUNIOR LEADER — Linebacker and running back Cruz Trail (15) has been one of the juniors on the Breaux Bridge football team taking on more of a leadership role as the Tigers had a small senior class this season. (Chris Landry)
Tigers (0-8 overall, 0-3 District 5-4A) take on Opelousas (5-3, 1-2) at 7 p.m.
The coach said that though Trail’s offensive role has expanded, it’s on defense he makes his biggest mark.
“Defensively, especially at what we call the Wheel, that outside linebacker position, he’s a key cog for us,” Pierce said. “But I’m just excited to see what he can give us on offense as well this year. He’s a hardworking kid.”
Trail’s goals for the season were simple.
“Be a good leader, and keep my mind on the game,” he said. “Keep my head in the game, keep working hard and keep pushing everybody around me.”
Despite the season’s struggles, the Tigers must keep working at their goals, Trail said.
“I want to bring everybody up and keep their hopes high, push them to be their best person, their best individual, and just keep them on their high hopes,” he said. “I want us to be really close and be together and have trust in each other, on the field, off the field, in the weight room and everything.”
