The Keith Bears are on a roll.

For the past three years, the Bears have made the playoffs and hope to continue that streak in the 2011 season, although Bears head coach Harry Crum said it would be difficult.

“We have to use the fact that we have made the playoffs and continue to build on it,” Crum said. “This year we had more players come out for spring than any other time I can remember. We were right at 40 (players) and that is a result of making it to the playoffs. It’s not going to be easy, though.”

Keith must start off with a gauntlet of tough games on the road for their first three matchups, including playoff teams Maplesville and Pickens County.

“You have that tradition at Maplesville that they get by with,” Crum said. “Even in what should be a down year, they have the tradition that makes them a better team.

“Pickens is just really athletic. We were close with them at the half last year and they were able to pull away. I think our guys feel like they can play with them.”

The long road trip to start the season can have a brightside, however, if the Bears are able to jump out of the gates with a couple of wins.

“We get five of the last seven at home,” Crum said. “If we can get a good sprinters start, then hopefully that will give us the momentum we need to finish strong.”

Only one of the Bears last seven opponents reached the playoffs, so the chances are there for Keith to continue their strong streak, even if they have key players to replace like graduating quarterback Jeremy Crum.
“Losing (Jeremy) is a big blow,” Crum said. “Replacing him is a monumental task. Hopefully a replacement will step up this offseason. We are just going to keep working.”