WCMS aiming for another big year
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Practice began Monday as the Pioneers went through a two-hour workout. The middle school squad, which saw 55 players hit the field, went through the week working out in helmets and shorts.
Second-year head coach Matt Turner has a lot of holes to fill after losing most of his starters to the high school, but with 24 eighth-graders on this year’s team, he has a solid core to build upon.
“This has been a productive week,” Turner said. “It was pretty hot Monday and Tuesday, but we got a lot of things done and I’m glad to see so many kids so excited about football.
“The heat has been taking care of the conditioning part, so we have already been working hard on both offense and defense. We’re doing as much as we can right now, putting in a few plays on offense. We have a lot of kids out here, but when school starts we should pick up 15 or 20 more.”
Last year’s Pioneer team moved the ball with brute power, whereas this season the team will rely more on speed.
“We had two big guys in the backfield last year, and just ran the ball up the middle with power. This year we don’t have that advantage,” Turner said. “I think we will be a little quicker this year so we will be able to open our offense up a little.
“We have to find our top 11 starters on defense and get it cranked up. Defensively we have a lot of work to do and we have already been installing some of our defensive sets. The kids have been working hard and I believe when the season starts, everyone will be ready.”
The team will hit the field in full pads on Monday and start preparing for a workday/scrimmage against Smith County, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
WCMS is coming off of a 7-2 season, with both losses coming to White County last year. The Pioneers have high hopes of repeating last year’s success, as well as seeking a little revenge against the Warriors.