Bonham Warrior football fans will be looking to a bevy of seniors -- 18 in all -- including a quartet of three-year starters, as the 2011 high school football sason gets underway.

"I am excited about the leadership aspect of this group," says Bonham head coach Dale Trompler.

Cody Austin, D.C. Porter, Levi Haggard and Jonathan Cook  will be suiting up for their third year of varsity action.

The Warriors went 4-6 in 2010, but that record doesn't reflect the excitement from the early part of the season. A stinging overtime loss to Commerce sent Bonham reeling through the second half of the schedule; still, this team was competitive in every game.

Add in a solid 2010 JV unit (7-2-1) that is anxious to cut loose on Friday nights and an encouraging off season workout program and it gets easy to see why this coaching staff is excited about their chances. 

"Our seniors were instrumental in a tremendously successful summer conditioning program," states Coach Trompler.  "We had 33 players attend 90% or more of our summer workouts and 13 players that did not miss a single day of the six-week program.  As a result, we reported to camp in excellent condition and stronger than we were in May.  We also return a strong nucleus of our offense and should see improvement in our offensive production with another year of familiarity with our system."

On the other side of the ball, this team has a chance to field the best linebacking corps and best secondary in District 10-3A.

No team will line up a pair of more physically imposing safeties than D.C. Porter and Dra Smith.

Three-year starter Levi Haggard and second-year man Dakota Barnes anchor a set of linebackers that are bigger and faster in 2011.

There's even good news for the old-school guys who believe games are won and lost by players with numbers in the 50s, 60s and 70s on their chest -- the offensive line.

"We are very fortunate to return four starters from last season in Tanner Kissling, Stryker Hunnicutt, Landon Shepherd and Jonathan Cook," remarks Trompler. "We also have some players coming up from the JV that could push for several starting positions.  Ethan Watson will be a force this year after an excellent off-season recovering from a season-ending knee injury last year.  We are very excited to have some continuity with our line and their familiarity with our schemes."

If there is one ingredient missing that any coach would love to have, it would be blinding speed. Bonham fans were spoiled by years where there was always someone on the field with 4.4 speed. That is a luxury Trompler hasn't been afforded. His Warriors will counter with preparation, pursuit and intuitive play.

However, Trompler does have the luxury of going into district battles with proven performers he can count on.

"Our strength will be our senior leadership and commitment," predicts Trompler. "I am very pleased with what I have seen from this group.  I have had them for going on three years and I know I can depend on them."

The Bonham Warriors football scrimmage vs. Pottsboro originally scheduled for Saturday, August 13, has been moved to Friday evening August 12.  The scrimmage will begin with the freshmen portion at 7:00 p.m.  The varsity will follow at approximately 8:15 p.m.  The scrimmage will be held at Warrior Stadium.