By Kev Moyé
News-Times Staff
JUNCTION CITY – The Junction City Dragons reported to practice early Friday morning.
The players then stepped onto the field, adhered to coach David Carpenter’s demands and eventually headed home for a weekend of rest. It was a quick, productive day for the defending Class 2A state champs. Their most recent workout was the ideal ending to week two of fall camp.
“It was more of a special teams practice. We worked on that a lot more than we did during the week,” Carpenter said. “Whenever you begin working on that, it takes the guys a minute to get going especially early in the morning.”
The Dragons are ascending, and that’s exactly what Carpenter wants from his team.
“We had a great week. Everything went well,” the coach proudly stated. “We finished up well on the sled. I’m happy with what we’ve done.” With the school-year scheduled to commence Monday, Junction City will start its traditional practice schedule. In the process, the Dragons will become accustomed to preparing for game-week.
“With school starting, we’ll get back on our normal routine, the in-season schedule. We will fall in and do all of the things that we normally do during a week that we’re preparing for a ball-game. We have Purple and Gold coming up. The following Monday night, we have the scrimmage at Harmony Grove. We’ll begin preparing for those games.”
Fittingly, the Dragons’ enthusiasm increases by each ongoing day as the games draw near. It will all begin with the Purple and Gold contest.
“Whenever you get to dress up and wear your nice clothes you always get excited. You’ll feel good,” the coach said.
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It wasn’t the conclusion to week two of practice that Smackover coach Brian Strickland was hoping for.
The Buckaroos completed a quality morning practice which focused on defense Friday. But, the number of players not at the workout perturbed the coach.
“We had 17 players who didn’t make it to practice after having a very good offensive practice Thursday night. I’m excited about the players who were there,” he said. “They got after it. They got better. But, as for the players who weren’t there - I was disappointed with their no-show.”
What’s the reason for so many players missing practice?
“I still have a few with the stomach virus, but the others … I can’t answer,” a clearly disappointed Strickland said. “But, the ones who were at practice we had a good, productive day.”
Regardless of Friday’s minor setback, the focus now shifts toward week three of practice and the upcoming Black and White Scrimmage which is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m., shortly after the junior high tilt.
“We have our Black and White game Monday. The admission is washing powder, DVDs, or towels,” Strickland said. “Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, we’ll get to work and learn from the scrimmage. We’ll correct some things and get ready for the jamboree at Parkers Chapel on the 24th.”