AHS coach concerned with heat, prep time

“All in all it was as good a week as it could be considering the heat,” Davis said. “We were able to work in full pads some but not a lot.”

With the forecast calling for high temperatures again this week, Davis was concerned Sunday evening.

“We’ll have to do the best we can,” the AHS coach said. “We are at a disadvantage. Some schools do not begin their school year for a few more days. Most of our opponents started back after we did. That allows them to hold morning practices and to have more room for adjustments.”

Davis said Clarke Central, last season’s state runner-up, was able to go away for a camp while Habersham Central was able to hold morning practices last week.

“I’m afraid some teams are ahead of us and that concerns me especially early in the season,” the coach said. “We don’t get to start the season with non-region games. It’s region from the start. We tried to work three days in pads but when it was all said and done, it was probably more like one day.”

Football coaches in Barrow County have guidelines to follow concerning weather conditions. Heat index indicators are used at practices to determine how much can be done. Recently, the index has been at or above 100.

The Wildcats will not scrimmage until Aug. 20 giving them an extra week to prepare and try to catch up.