Right off the bat, the varsity football team opens the season against a familiar foe, Brennan.

For the third year in a row, the Raiders will play the Bears, who ended their 2013 playoff run in the state quarterfinals and beat the Raiders 30-7 in last season’s opener. Last year, the San Antonio team won 12 straight games before falling to Steele in the area round.

“I’m very excited to play Brennan,” senior linebacker Kyle Sanderson said. “I don’t care how good they are or what everyone thinks is going to happen. If they come into Bible and everyone gives it their all, anything is possible.”

After weeks of practicing in the summer heat, the team is ready to walk into Bible Stadium.

“It feels great to be back on the field,” senior safety Morgan Vest said. “I think [defense] is more enthusiastic and excited this year, we have to be more mentally tough.”

In his sophomore and junior years on varsity, Vest had 69 solo and 107 total tackles. After being sidelined for part of last year with an injury, he’s ready to be back on the field.

“I don’t think it affects me,” Vest said. “I just have a lot more to prove and show that I’m the player I was.”

Like Vest, Sanderson is a senior and playing his last year as part of the Raider defense.

“Yes, it’s sad it’s my last year,” Sanderson said. “But I’m ready to play every down like it’s my last, leave it all on the field, and make memories.”

The Raiders face Brennan at Bible Stadium, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

“I look forward to being under those Friday night lights with my teammates and longtime friends for one last season,” Sanderson said.