The Badgers football season came to an end at the Area playoff game Nov. 21 against Canyon West Plains. The Badgers lost 42-7 after a hard-fought game.

“I know the score didn’t indicate a close game, but I thought we played really competitively,” assistant coach Jonathan Vanliew said. “I thought in terms of physicality, we showed up, nobody turned it down. Our guys showed up hungry, played well and I think they laid out everything they could.”

Vanliew said that the team will need to work on leadership responsibilities for next year.

“We’ve got areas to fill for our young guys,” he said. “I think they have to take their experience and apply it to make themselves better.”

With the senior football players graduating, it is time for underclassmen players to step up.

“People always talk about how the next season won’t be as good with all the graduates,” assistant coach Hadley Berry said. “The team needs to hear that they are more than capable of being very successful in the upcoming years and have more than enough talent to make a deep run in the playoffs.”

Berry said that this year’s team chemistry was impressive.

“When we were tight in ball games, they trusted one another to do their job and execute the game plan.” He said.

Senior running back KJ Reed said one of his favorite moments from the season was scoring the winning touchdown to beat Wimberley at their stadium. He said he also enjoyed scoring the first play against Lorena and beating Waco University.

“But I’ll end it with the home environment,” he said. “There is no place to play like Lampasas. Every Friday night, the whole town shows up and shows out the energy they bring from the BBYL kids all the way to the parents and grandparents. Friday nights at Badger Field is something I will never forget about.”