The Banks County High School football team recently traveled to Pickens County High School to compete against eight area schools in a 7-on-7 passing league contest.
During the event, the teams took turns squaring off in 15-minute intervals of offense and defense.
"I like the competition and it’s a fun activity,” said BCHS player Montana Kennedy.
Teammate Eli Smallwood, said: "It's a great opportunity to learn the offensive and defensive plays we are going to play in the upcoming season."
The team will complete more reps of the plays and get mental and physical experience during the league sessions.
First-year head coach Phillip Jones said he likes the passing league because it gives his players a chance to continue working on strength and agility, along with learning the opposition they will face in the fall.
He has been encouraged by the progress the team has made and by some of the standout players like Tyler Hubbard, who will play at the quarterback position, He also noted Marquaze Maddox has been strong at receiver and with Jamison Flynn helping lead the offense.
Defensive standouts include Smallwood along with Wesley Faulkner in the secondary.
The offensive line has improved their timing on routes, accuracy of passes and making plays on the football.
"Fundamentally, the kids are improving, communication is getting better and everything is starting to progress forward compared to the beginning of the summer,” said Leopard assistant coach Steve Siegmund, also in his first season with the program.
The team has shown considerable improvements from earlier in the summer against the participating teams, coaches said.
“We are picking up more confidence and putting forth more effort to make the upcoming season a success,” Jones said.
BCHS opens the new season Aug. 26 against Social Circle High School.
