Now let the real work begin for Blue Eagles
Published 12:57 pm Saturday, July 30, 2005
By Staff
Neal begins official fall practice with two-a-days through Friday
By BRUCE HIXON-Sports Editor
Probably the most common question W.S. Neal Blue Eagles football coach Blaine Hatchock gets about his team's summer work is how did it go.
Perhaps a better question is did his team accomplish what it needed to do.
The W.S. Neal skipper said his team averaged about 40 to 45 varsity players at its summer workout sessions.
One item where Hathcock had some disappointment was in the number of freshmen who participated in the summer program.
W.S. Neal took advantage of the Alabama High School Athletic Association's new rule that allows up to seven days of team competition, as it hosted a Seven-on-Seven Camp that also included Flomaton and Escambia County.
Hathcock indicated he may try to expand W.S. Neal's team competition next year.
Hathcock said he has mixed feelings about Seven-on-Seven competitions.
Like all other AHSAA schools, W.S. Neal will officially start practice Monday. The Blue Eagles will hold two-a-days this week with practice times of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Hathcock said depth is his team's number one concern going into practice. Quarterback is at the top of that list.
Hathcock said it is a similar situation at running back and wide receiver.
Hathcock feels some of the pieces on special teams, an area that was often an adventure last year, are starting to come together.