After a summer of 7-on-7 passing league scrimmages, Jefferson was happy to return to contact football.
Coach T. McFerrin said Monday’s opening practice was a physical session.
“They were ready to hit a little bit after a summer of not being in pads,” McFerrin said. “I thought we had a good day.”
Jefferson has been mindful of the grueling summer heat, taking several 20-minute breaks and giving players lots of fluids to help combat the 98-degree temperatures. But given the amount of voluntary work players put in during the summer, the Dragons appear to be well acclimated to the heat, McFerrin said. In fact, a group of players voluntarily ran extra sprints at the end of Tuesday’s practice.
Jefferson’s opener with Commerce looms 23 days from now, while its scrimmage against Lumpkin County is next weekend (Aug. 13).
“That’s scary isn’t it?” McFerrin remarked. “I think everybody is looking forward to that. It’s good and it gives you something to look forward to. It’s not way off.”
McFerrin said the Dragons have lots to cover before they open up with Commerce, but he did note how valuable the summer 7-on-7s were in keeping the Dragons current with the playbook — especially the passing game.
“We got to cover a whole lot of that in the summer, so we came in with a lot of stuff already in,” McFerrin said. “We’ve got to do more with our running game now.”
