By Stephen Henderson
The Patrick County High School football team has been drilling, lifting weights and going over plays for four days each week since conditioning started a week after school let out.
The first official practice for the Cougars is Monday, July 31.
According to Head Coach David Morrison, “We have had a really solid summer session. We started out really strong in June and carried through into July. We averaged around 30-35 players each day,” he said.
During the summer conditioning, Morrison said that the players got a good handle on the two-minute offense and worked very hard on the three- and five-step pass game. “They have responded strongly and come together as a team,” he said.
“Next Monday we expect to see strong numbers out and hopefully a lot of excited faces because we are trying to grow the program and do things the right way and start a true winning tradition at PCHS,” said Morrison.
As for coaching positions for football, Morrison is happy with his staff, from middle school to varsity. “All are prepared for the upcoming season—we have many returning coaches as well as a few new ones for the middle school, JV and varsity teams. Everyone is excited and on the same page at this point; that’s all we can ask for,” he explained.
As for Monday’s opening season practice, all teams will begin at the high school. Tentative start time is 3 p.m. with practice ending at 8 p.m.; the times are subject to change due to bus schedules. A school messenger phone call will be made later in the week to confirm team start/end times.
The Cougars will scrimmage twice before the season opener at home August 25, against Carroll County. Saturday, August 12, they will scrimmage Eastern Montgomery and Grayson County. The site has not been decided upon yet. Saturday, August 19, the Cougars will travel to Riverheads High School to scrimmage Amelia County and Grayson County. The middle school team will have a jamboree at Pulaski High School August 19.
“We have the potential for a strong season if all of those who have committed to the program will come out and support the team to the best of their ability,” Morrison said.
