Clear Creek Middle School was on the field for two weeks in early preparation for the upcoming football season.
Eighty-one combined rising seventh and eighth graders were under the direction of head coach Willie Dodaro and staff for spring practice, which was scheduled to wrap up Monday.
“We’re really excited about the number of kids we have out,” said Dodaro, who estimates that “around 50” players are soon to be eighth graders. “We approach spring like we do during the season. We equal the time between eighth and seventh graders to keep the momentum and teaching going with individual and group work. The eighth grade is up to speed on everything, so we don’t want to take anything away from them.”
Much of spring was spent introducing and honing schemes, while continuing to focus on fundamentals such as proper blocking and tackling techniques, footwork and ball security.
The older group of Bobcats capped last season with a Mountain League championship. The younger Bobcats competed in park and recreation football for the final time as sixth graders. Dodaro noted the upcoming seventh graders did not miss a beat and adjusted well to practice.
“Learning the new defense and offense was the only thing that gave them a little problem. Hitting and work ethic, they did really well,” Dodaro said. “They have a great group to lead them in the eighth graders, because they work very hard. They fit right in with that mentality. The worst thing about spring was the ups and downs with the weather. We were very pleased with the players and the effort they gave us.”
Players will resume football activities June 3 with three practices per week at the high school. Dodaro noted they will likely practice at Huff-Mosley Memorial Stadium all summer while the CCMS field is renovated.
“We have enough players on the eighth grade to scrimmage each other, which is really good for us,” said Dodaro. “We as a coaching staff are very pleased with everything going on.”