Clear Creek Middle School was on the field for two weeks of football spring practice.
Head Coach Willie Dodaro and staff wrapped up practice last Friday, and there are currently 27 rising eighth graders and 31 rising seventh graders on the roster.
Dodaro noted that Gilmer High head coach Paul Standard and assistants joined CCMS the first week. They installed some drills and plays the Bobcats put to use in week two.
“The first week was real productive,” Dodaro said. “In the second week, we took things a lot more slower. Our eighth grade is advanced, and we’re trying to get those incoming seventh graders more situated so maybe we can have somewhat of a full unit to scrimmage with. We were doing more drill work than anything the second week.”
The eighth-grade Bobcats are the defending Mountain League champions, and they finished last season undefeated. While they are a seasoned group, fundamentals took center stage as everyone was brought up to speed.
“We didn’t do that much hitting, and it’s probably the first spring where we didn’t have too much head banging. Is that a disadvantage? It might be a little disadvantage for the eighth grade, but they got to work on a lot of fundamental stuff as well and get better.
“During the two weeks, we didn’t lose any momentum as far as being competitive, and having the motivation to get there every day. They did a real good job coming every day to practice.”
Players will receive four weeks off before they are back on the field at the start of June. They will continue to focus on fundamentals, running plays and weight training three days per week
“We’ll get back in the weight room then,” Dodaro said. “Most of our kids are in the weight room now. We’ll come in and start back up June 6, and we’ll be at the high school all month.”