TMI head football coach Brian Curran (front) and George Pasterchick (rear) prepare to kick off the 2008 season as they get varsity football practice under way earlier this month. Photos by Marvin Pfeiffer

Brian Curran, football coach at TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas, looks at last season as one of the most enjoyable years of his career.

Despite a roster filled mostly with players getting their first taste of varsity football, the Panthers battled through a 4-7 record and advanced to the playoffs before losing to Houston Christian.

This year could be even more enjoyable. It doesn’t get easier in TAPPS Division II District 3.

The usual opponents like Victoria St. Joseph, San Antonio Christian and Giddings State School are still there, while Austin Hyde Park joins the pack.

With nine starters returning on both sides of the ball, Curran believes TMI is ready for the challenge.

“I think last year was more of the unknown,” said Curran, who begins his seventh year as head coach. “We weren’t sure what we were going to have. We had a great time. We had great kids and great attitudes. The kids were extremely coachable. The great thing about it is we were young last year. We have a lot of them coming back. We’re excited about this year.

“We have the kids coming back with experience. The other thing we’re excited about is we have a solid ninth grade class. It might be the best group we’ve had since I have been here.”

Overall, size is lacking, but the Panthers are blessed with more team speed. Curran is counting on that to be a plus for making TMI’s multiple offensive package go.

TMI quarterback John Rowdy Key hands off to fullback Sanford Roberts as fall football practice gets under way at the school.

“It could go a lot of different ways,” the TMI coach said. “The biggest thing is we want to get a kid who can lead us. We want him to do things well, but we also want him to be able to lead the team.”

Whoever lands the role should feel secure, thanks to a strong supporting cast.

It all begins with an offensive line featuring all-district returners Chris Cawthon, Sanford Roberts and Michael Tawil. Roberts and Tawil could also see action at fullback.

The backfield is also solid with running back Austin Carr following a solid sophomore campaign.

Whoever lands the starting quarterback job will pleased with the receiving situation. In addition to Key, all-district tight ends John Matthews (6 feet, 3 inches, 200 pounds) and Alex Perotti (6 feet, 4 inches, 200 pounds) are capable of making big plays.

Matthews and Perotti also provide security at the defensive ends.

Roberts leads the linebacking corps following an all-district season and Matt Mery could be a key to the secondary.

“We feel pretty good about our program,” Curran said.

“Each year we’ve had better numbers. We’ll have a JV team and a middle school team. The school growth has obviously helped. But I also think kids are having a positive experience and they want to continue to play. I think this year will be a positive experience, too.”