Cougars Look Good in Spring Practice

After six days of on-the-field practice, Piedmont Academy football coach Danny Camp said he likes how his team is progressing this spring.

Piedmont opened spring drills May 8 and will continue through this Friday when it will host a four-school scrimmage beginning at 5 p.m. John Milledge, Gatewood and Tiftarea are scheduled to travel to Cougar Field for the event.

“Our first week went great,” Camp said. “The kids are enthusiastic and excited about what we are doing. We have a lot more work to do, but things are going well.”

Camp said not installing a completely new offense this spring has helped things go well.

“It’s certainly not as hectic as it was last spring,” the coach said. “We are simply adding a few new wrinkles. It’s hard to cover all aspects of your offense and defense during spring so we are simply trying to go over as much as we can.”
One positive aspect about spring football practice is the fact coaches can concentrate on what their team’s needs are, Camp said.

“During the season, you work week to week on that Friday’s opponent,” the Piedmont coach said. “Now, we are able to concentrate on what we do.”

The Cougars will have eight seniors on this year’s team, a larger number than in recent seasons. Camp and his coaching staff have been working with approximately 30 players this spring.
“We have a good nucleus coming back,” the coach said. “We also have some newcomers and some younger players have moved up to the varsity program.”

Camp said his players are looking forward to Friday’s scrimmages.

“It makes the nine days of practice worth it, in my opinion,” he said. “It gives your team a chance to play against other schools and see where you are at.”

Camp said the Cougars will also benefit from having the same coaching staff return this season. Mike Nelson, Burt Jones, Johnny Stallings and Luis Rebuelta are also working with the football team.

“They have been a great help,” Camp said. “They all have a lot of knowledge. They know the game and know what they are doing.”

Piedmont opens the 2006 football season Sept. 1 against Nathanael Greene.