The Apalachee High School football team took its preseason preparation to the next level last week as full contact workouts were allowed for the first time Aug. 1.
The Wildcats, who will host a preseason scrimmage Aug. 17 against Elbert County High School, have been working for several months during offseason training. Coach Shane Davis said he liked how practice progressed last week.
“There’s always a little bit of excitement when you go full pads,” the coach said. “Although battling the heat is an issue.”
Even before full contact work began, Davis and the AHS coaches had a pretty good idea of which players will be able to contribute in certain areas.
“We’ve actually known since spring in many ways,” Davis said. “Of course, some things are still not as good as you hope at this point. We will continue to evaluate everyone. That will continue even on into the season. We will put the best team on the field as possible. That’s our goal week in and week out.”
Practice continues this week with plans beginning for the Elbert County scrimmage Monday. The Blue Devils will feature Tyshon Dye, who has committed to Clemson.
“He’s a special player,” said AHS offensive coordinator Joel Miller. “People will enjoy watching him play.”
WILDCAT NOTES: Head coach Shane Davis has brought aboard former Social Circle High School head coach David Seawright as an assistant coach.
Seawright will be working the offensive and defensive lines at AHS.
“We’ve never worked together, but I’ve known about him a long time,” Davis said. “He is a real good football coach.”
Seawright, who played for Oconee County High School’s 1999 state championship team, has worked at his alma mater as well as Jefferson High School.
He was an assistant under former Social Circle head coach Troy Morris. Seawright was promoted following Morris’ departure.
Davis is very selective when it comes to hiring assistant coaches. Often he has left positions vacant if he can’t find a coach he believes is the right fit for the program.
“You have to spend a lot of time with these coaches and you want to be sure they are a good fit,” Davis said. “Our guys have no egos. I care about our kids and I’m not going to bring just anyone in here.”
Davis said his policy of only hiring coaches he believes are the right fit for the program may have cost him in the past, but it’s a method he firmly believes in.
“It’s all about our kids,” Davis said. “That’s what is important.”
Seawright is also a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he majored in history.
