Bowie hoping to climb ladder in 15-5A

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Bowie is hopeful this is the year it makes the step-up from contender to team-to-beat in district 15-5A. But to do it, several newcomers to varsity play will have to take over big roles for a young Bulldogs team. Only three starters return on each side of the ball.

“We have a lot of new faces,” coach Jeff Ables said. “A lot of these guys are going to get their opportunity to step in there and play so they know that every week we’re playing good people, so if we’re not bringing our best game, it could be trouble. ”

Bowie won its first four district games a year ago before losing 35-0 to Westlake. The following week a 52-20 bidistrict loss to Westwood ended the Bulldog’s season.

“We have a tough schedule and the coaches are setting us up well but as players we have to step up a little bit and take care of it ourselves,” said linebacker Ryan Taylor, the Bulldogs leading tackler in 2011.

Senior Dontae Harris, an all-district selection last season at safety is taking over at quarterback and will play two-ways.

“[I’m] Trying to do everything I can possibly to do this season to make it one of the best seasons Bowie has ever had and the best season I’ve ever had,” Harris said.