By Ronnie Hughes

Leader Correspondent

LITTLE CYPRESS — The Little Cypress -Mauriceville Battlin’ Bears look to be primed for a return to the postseason after missing out in 2015.

Head coach Randy Crouch, returns plenty of veterans that have worked hard all summer to catapult the Bears into one of the four playoff spots in a tough District 10-4A Division I that features powerhouse Navasota and talented Silsbee and Bridge City teams.

One of those key returning starters is Chris Winters.

One look at Winters one would think this was a D1 college athlete, but as a junior he has impressed on the field and stepped in as a leader. He’s also an example of what hard work can do as he could be seen all summer working out with his trainer. The hard work has already proven successful as Winters is already drawing interest from major colleges across the country.

The junior free safety and running back will make most of the defensive calls in the Bears 4-3 defensive scheme. His explosiveness and ability to read the formation before the ball is snapped makes him a threat to any offense.

Winters led the team with six interceptions in 2015 while racking up first team All-District honors as a sophomore. Winters also hinted at the possibility that he’ll even get some carries out of the backfield on offense, but wherever he’s at he is prepared to lead his team into the playoffs.

“Our main focus is the playoffs and I believe if we play our game we can make it to the third round and really surprise some people.” Winter said “There is no doubt that we will grab one of those four post season spots.”

Adding extra pressure to opposing offenses while playing the same side of the field as Winters is Trey Guillory, who’ is entering his second year as a varsity player for the Bears after transferring from West Orange late in his sophomore year.

The speedy Guillory runs a 4.5 forty and promises to give opposing wide receivers a fit. He ranked third as junior in tackles and claimed All-District mentions as well. This season Guillory is expected to be featured in the offensive scheme as well playing the role of wide receiver.

He saw a few snaps on offense last season as a receiver while hauling in five receptions for 200 yards. His elusiveness and breakaway speed will bring an extra dimension to the Bear offense. His focus though will be shutting down the opposing offenses and both players credit watching a lot of film in has really given them a chance to improve. The biggest improvement for the Bears has been bonding as a team. They all played plenty of 7- on -7 games during the summer to stay in football shape and keep their minds sharp.

“Last season we had a lot of guys that lacked commitment,” Guillory said. “This summer we worked, we bonded, we studied the game to make sure we execute all season.”

After a tough 3-7 overall record last season the Bears can only improve and with the talents of Winters and Guillory they will be more than ready come week “0” when they travel up to Jasper to take on a Bulldogs team that has plenty of firepower.