Every season has to start someplace.

Might as well be first place.

At Lampasas’ season-opening meet in Leander last Saturday morning, three Badger powerlifters claimed top honors in their weight classes, leaving head coach David Brister looking forward to the possibilities ahead.

“It is a good starting point,” the coach said. “I was very pleased with their efforts and their lifts for the opening meet. Many of the lifters this year are first-year powerlifters. I see a lot of potential.”

Newcomer Edward Hall is part of the reason for the excitement, as he joined Justin Manigault -- a competitor at the 2009 USA Powerlifting High School Nationals meet -- and Zac Bryant atop their divisions. The trio led Lampasas to third place overall.

Bryant won the 132-pound weight class with a total of 850 pounds. The senior hoisted a 315- pound squat, a 200-pound bench press and a 335-pound deadlift.

Manigault posted the 148- pounders’ top showing with a total of 970 pounds (345 squat, 215 bench, 410 deadlift).

Hall debuted with a first-place finish in the 181-pound weight class. The varsity football team’s top rusher last season totaled 1,185 pounds with a 460-pound squat, 275-pound bench press, and a 450- pound deadlift.

Freshman Esidro Arce was just shy of matching his teammate’s gold-medal performance, as he placed second in the 123-pound division. He totaled 655 pounds in his three lifts (235 squat, 145 bench press, 275 deadlift).

Chauncey Cuffie also placed, finishing fifth in the 220-pound weight class with a 990-pound total (380 squat, 250 bench press, 360 deadlift).

Rafael Cazares, David Cockrell, Andy Gamez, Layton Irvin, Josh Kuehne, Stephen McKinney and Tanner Swinford also competed at the meet.

The Badgers’ next meet is Jan. 30 in Copperas Cove. The Lady Badgers also will be on hand as they open their season.