Pioneers gear up for opener

During Monday’s practice session, Madewell noted the team has been planning for the game for the past several days, but noted there are still preparations to be made before Friday’s matchup with the Tigers.

‘We started getting ready for DeKalb as soon as we got back from (last week’s scrimmage at) Moore County,’ he said. ‘We spent most of the summer just learning what we are trying to do this season, and working to improve our own fundamentals and game plan. But now it’s all about working to get ready for a specific opponent, and what we expect them to bring to the field Friday night.’

Since returning from a 34-0 victory last Tuesday at the Moore County scrimmage, the Pioneer coaching staff had been using scouting reports to game-plan for this week’s foes from Smithville. Over the weekend, the team received film of the Tigers’ jamboree victory over White County, giving them an even better idea of what to expect Friday night.

‘We’ve studied the film as a staff, and we plan to go in Tuesday with the team and show them what to expect,’ Madewell said after Monday’s practice, during which the Pioneers worked out in just helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.

‘From what we’ve seen of them so far, they look to be much improved compared to the DeKalb County teams we’ve seen in years past. They played well against Sparta, and they look to be a lot better than they were the past two years. But, hopefully, we’re a lot better, too.’

Kickoff for Friday’s game, as with all the Pioneers’ contests this season, is set for 7 p.m.