The Gilmer High School Bobcats returned to Pettit Field to continue their preseason football preparations.
GHS players and coaches have been convening four days per week in June, and each morning’s weight training session is followed by on-field drills. Helmets are the only equipment permitted during the month, and much of the early weeks are spent learning and fine-tuning.
“After spring we had two weeks off then we’ve picked back up,” head coach Paul Standard said Monday. “The month of June is an extension of spring practice in my mind. We’re still working on installing our base offense and base defense, while working on things we can do when you’re not in full pads. I like it because it allows us to work on things that I might overlook if we were in full pads.”
Along with offense and defense, special teams has been emphasized daily. That has not always been the case with Standard’s teams in the past, and he credits special teams coordinator Ed Marietta.
“He’s taught me, and I’ve never done this, but we’re working on one little aspect of the kicking game every day,” Standard said. “It has already shown benefits. I’m really excited with what’s going on with our special teams. What we’ve been able to do in just five days has been good.”
GHS will also use June to install its entire passing package. The Bobcats traveled to Holy Innocents in Sandy Springs last Tuesday to participate in seven on seven passing drills. The day pitted teams against each other without the presence of linemen as aerial attacks took center stage.
“I can say it went really well because we were able to get lined up every time correctly,” Standard said with a chuckle.
“The kids really executed considering how little we worked on the passing game during spring. We threw the ball well and caught it and played well on defense for football in just shorts and helmets.”
Standard has hailed Gilmer’s weight training regimen over the past year under strength coordinator Jeff Nelson, and others are taking notice as well.
“I had two different coaches say, ‘Boy, your kids really look good, and you can tell the last year in the weight room has made all the difference,’” Standard said.
“They didn’t have to say that and it wasn’t prompted, it just came right out of their mouths as our kids were getting off the bus.”
While the summer is still young and the Bobcats have a ways to go before they are ready for their season opener in August, Standard has liked what he has seen.
“So far, we’ve had great attendance (67 players), kids are communicating and are doing things we really had a difficult time with at this point last year,” he said.
“That’s nobody’s fault, it’s just the culture of where the football program was at that time to where it is today. The kids are self-directing themselves in the weight room and on the practice field. It’s been impressive, and I’ve been happy with that.”
Gilmer returned to Holy Innocents for more passing at Tuesday’s press deadline. GHS linemen will make their way to St. Pius Friday for a lineman challenge.