Football practice begins
By Charlie Anderson Contributing Writer

PHOTO BY CHARLIE ANDERSON Coach Curtis Lane instructs his players on technique during Thomasville High School's first day of practice Monday. PIctured (from left): team chaplain Phil Craddock, Evander Davis, James White, James Jones, Lane and Roya Campbell.

As of this past Monday, August 6, most if not all of the high school football programs across the state of Alabama officially began practicing for the 2007 season. In that group are the three teams in our area each with their own agenda for the new year.

At Thomasville High School Coach Jack Hankins, his staff and the 84 young men who reported for duty on the first day of practice have a list of team goals that include having an undefeated season, winning the region, advancing through the playoffs to the championship game and last but not least finishing the job by winning the 4A State Championship. Every day this edition of Thomasville Tigers although focusing on what lies ahead this season, is reminded of the 2006 season and what might have been. With the Tigers ranked number two in the ASWA 2007 4A Pre-season Poll behind Guntersville who defeated them in the 2006 championship game by one point that memory of last year is even more painfully vivid. Coming off a good 13- 2 record in 2006 the Tigers know the best way to insure all their goals are met is to post the perfect 15-0 mark in 2007. Their quest for that elusive perfect season begins on Thursday, August 30 when they travel to Sweet Water for their always tough traditional rival game with the Bulldogs.

PHOTO BY ARTHUR MCLEAN Marengo High School assistant football coach Elbert "Mike" Pritchett leads the team in warmups during the first day of practice Monday.

In Sweet Water Coach Stacy Luker, the Bulldog coaches and players who reported for the first day of practice pretty much have the same goals for 2007 that Thomasville does. They too want to go undefeated, win their region, advance through the state playoffs to the championship game and then complete the season by winning the 1A State Championship. Unlike Thomasville the Bulldogs will be going after their goals from a different perspective. Having ended the 2006 season with a 13-1 record and another 1A State Championship they will be defending their title and working real hard to repeat in 2007. Based on their finish last season and the expectations for another good team this year, the Bulldogs are ranked number one in the ASWA 1A Pre-season Poll. Although they are pleased to receive the recognition they realize and accept that such a lofty ranking is based on past performance and projections and without the kind of effort it will take from this team to stay on top, the ride down the mountain will be a rough one. Thursday, August 30, when Thomasville comes to Sweet Water for their traditional season opener, the Bulldogs will be looking to start their march toward back to back state titles.

Situated about halfway between the Tigers and Bulldogs, the Panthers of Marengo High School will be looking forward to taking another step this season toward their goal of regaining some football respectability in the neighborhood. Coach Scottie Jones and his staff will be counting on the 25 players who have signed up for the 2007 Panther squad to continue the progress that began in the 2006 season and continued through the spring game in 2007. Naturally like every other program in the state their ultimate goal would be to win a State Championship but before that can happen the Panthers know they must regain the prowess they once had in their region and with their other non-region opponents. Having posted a 6-4 mark in 2006 with a first round playoff appearance the Panthers believe they are poised to take the next step in regaining their swagger and that is competing for the region championship. For them the first step toward a successful 2007 season begins on Friday, August 31, when they host the John Essex Hornets in their season opener at The Swamp.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Taking Names and Keeping Score	1
Frances Nichols passes at 91	1
Bryant is a contestant in Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant	1
Dunagans to celebrate golden anniversary	1