High school football season is among us: Memorial Day has come and gone. Fourth of July celebrations are over, and ‘dog days’ are in full force. Recreational league sports are practically over. Vacation bible school programs, church camps, band camps, as well as family vacations, are coming to an end. Now, the focus of many parents and kids will turn to the start of a new school year.
High school football coaches and young men from the age of 13 thru 18, who brave the heat and humidity, readily await the beginning of a new football season.
The “dead period” came to an end last week which meant local area football teams could resume their regular pre-season training. The “dead period,” a TSSAA sanctioned two week phase, prohibited the coaches and players from meeting together in their organized routine. According to assistant executive director of the TSSAA, Matthew Gillespie, “This dead period was designed as a 2-week no contact vacation between coaches and players.” Gillespie pointed out, “While the no contact vacation was in effect, players could still work out and go through their conditioning regiment even on school property if policy permits.”
Currently, area teams have reorganized and some members are participating in “7 on 7” passing camps. These camps involve quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Also, their defensive counterparts: cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers are working on their passing game against other teams. These camps while organized, supervised, and officiated by coaches usually involves one or more schools. Players wear helmets and cleats, but other equipment such as shoulder and leg pads are not used. The rule of ending a live play is the normal ‘two-hand’ touch method.
Smith County Insider will be providing full coverage of Gordonsville and Smith County High School Football action this fall.
Check back with us as we will be soon giving a preseason perspective of Gordonsville and Smith County High School Football programs.
We will also be covering the happenings of the “TSSAA Legislative Council Agenda Including Proposed Change To Public-Private Competition” on Thursday in Murfreesboro which could have an effect on high school football in Smith County. Please check back for more details.
