The short answer for why Ballinger slipped to 3-7 last year and lost all five of its district games by an average of 41.8 points is injuries. The Bearcats lost four starters with season-ending injuries and were down to their third-team quarterback.

“To get back to where we want to be, we have to first stay healthy,” second-year Ballinger football head coach Bryan Gayoso said. “It’s tough when you lose four starters to injuries at the Class 2A level. We learned some life lessons about trying to overcome obstacles last year.

“Injuries aside, we have to get better at what we do.”

Ballinger has posted a 9-32 record over the last four seasons. The Bearcats haven’t finished with a winning record or won a playoff game since 2021.

But there is immediate hope for this season.