By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com
MORTONS GAP - On Friday afternoon at Hopkins County Central, pads crushed, handoffs were given and tackles made as the Storm football team capped its last spring practice with an intrasquad scrimmage.
Missing from the day's action were 14 seniors and former head coach Rick Snodgrass as Zach Hibbs commanded the field and directed the 2009 squad.
"We lost a lot of kids and any time when you lose that many kids, you just want to come away from spring ball with a good feeling," Hibbs said following the scrimmage.
The cupboard is not bare though as several key players return highlighted by linebacker Nathan Crick and defensive backs Lucas Duncan and Nikee Caldwell.
"We know they're going to continue to do their job and that's an ease on us because that's something we don't have to worry about, refining them when we can worry about other people," Hibbs said.
On offense, Luke Crawley will assume duties at quarterback. Last season, Crawley filled in for Jacob Powell when Powell missed the final two games of the regular season with an injury. Crawley led Central to victories in both contests. By season's end, Crawley threw for three touchdowns and rushed for four.
A new face will join Crawley in the backfield in Anthony Qualls, who requested to take on some offensive responsibilities in addition to playing defensive end, Hibbs said.
Missing from the day's action were 14 seniors and former head coach Rick Snodgrass as Zach Hibbs commanded the field and directed the 2009 squad.
"We lost a lot of kids and any time when you lose that many kids, you just want to come away from spring ball with a good feeling," Hibbs said following the scrimmage.
The cupboard is not bare though as several key players return highlighted by linebacker Nathan Crick and defensive backs Lucas Duncan and Nikee Caldwell.
"We know they're going to continue to do their job and that's an ease on us because that's something we don't have to worry about, refining them when we can worry about other people," Hibbs said.
On offense, Luke Crawley will assume duties at quarterback. Last season, Crawley filled in for Jacob Powell when Powell missed the final two games of the regular season with an injury. Crawley led Central to victories in both contests. By season's end, Crawley threw for three touchdowns and rushed for four.
A new face will join Crawley in the backfield in Anthony Qualls, who requested to take on some offensive responsibilities in addition to playing defensive end, Hibbs said.
"He's one of your fastest kids on the field, he's one of the most athletic kids on the field, and it makes all the sense in the world to try and get him the ball, but when he plays defensive end as well as he does, that's one of those things that's a big jump," Hibbs said. "But we're going to give him a shot."
Still, Hibbs said he expects Qualls to play roughly 30 percent of offensive plays or every few series.
Central also plans to increase its use of the tight end position. During spring practice, Bryan Mason and Shelby Cummings each got looks at tight end.
Utilizing the tight end was a big key for the team offensively, Hibbs said. On defense, he and defensive coordinator David Wampler identified consistent execution as a goal.
The spring sessions have also allowed the Storm lineman to shake off the cobwebs and hit someone.
As the scrimmage progressed, Central alternated running 15 plays with first-team defense and first-team offense with full-contact.
"There's no chance for our guys to get in weight room and lock up on somebody and just drive them straight back, so this is the only opportunity other than football season to put on the pads and see what they've got on the drive," Hibbs said.
Elijah Stewart and Caleb Driver are two individuals who have impressed the staff with their effort and progress from last season, Hibbs said. Both will get a shot to see pivotal time in the line's rotation.
Cody Summers returns for his senior campaign at center, but left the field during Friday's scrimmage with an undetermined knee injury when he became the bottom man in a pile of tacklers.
Despite the setback, the Storm have plenty to look forward to as yet another class of players anticipates the upcoming season.
Still, Hibbs said he expects Qualls to play roughly 30 percent of offensive plays or every few series.
Central also plans to increase its use of the tight end position. During spring practice, Bryan Mason and Shelby Cummings each got looks at tight end.
Utilizing the tight end was a big key for the team offensively, Hibbs said. On defense, he and defensive coordinator David Wampler identified consistent execution as a goal.
The spring sessions have also allowed the Storm lineman to shake off the cobwebs and hit someone.
As the scrimmage progressed, Central alternated running 15 plays with first-team defense and first-team offense with full-contact.
"There's no chance for our guys to get in weight room and lock up on somebody and just drive them straight back, so this is the only opportunity other than football season to put on the pads and see what they've got on the drive," Hibbs said.
Elijah Stewart and Caleb Driver are two individuals who have impressed the staff with their effort and progress from last season, Hibbs said. Both will get a shot to see pivotal time in the line's rotation.
Cody Summers returns for his senior campaign at center, but left the field during Friday's scrimmage with an undetermined knee injury when he became the bottom man in a pile of tacklers.
Despite the setback, the Storm have plenty to look forward to as yet another class of players anticipates the upcoming season.
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