PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 13 Bastrop

13. Bastrop (La.)
Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 4A champion
Coach: Brad Bradshaw
Key players: QB/WR Rueben Randle (6-3, 195, Sr.), DE DeQuinta Jones (6-2, 265, Sr.), OG/DT Josh Downs (6-3, 275, Sr.), LB Tai Alford (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB Dwight Hawkins (5-11, 195, Sr.), DB RaDarrius Winston (5-11, 175, Sr.), DB Keldrick Anderson (5-10, 170, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Experience on OL and defense
Question mark: Inexperience at WR
Outlook: The third-longest active win streak in the nation among 11-man teams belongs to the Rams (44), who are in search of their fourth consecutive 4A title. There are five starters back on offense, including three on the offensive line. That will help with any growing pains experienced by Randle, who moves to quarterback after already compiling a brilliant resume as one of the most highly recruited wide receiver prospects in the country. As a junior, he caught 55 passes for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned three punts for touchdowns. Hawkins, who had over 700 combined rushing and receiving yards, will assume a greater workload as a senior. Six starters are back on defense, including two outstanding linemen in Michigan recruit Jones and LSU commit Downs. Four-year starter Alford returns at linebacker, where he led the team in tackles as a junior.
Toughest games: Sept. 26 at East St. John, Oct. 17 vs. No. 69 Evangel Christian