‘Canes Prepare for New Season

The 2011 ‘Cane football team began practice Monday in pads, helmets and shorts, and will progress into full pads as practice continues in preparation for a scrimmage game next Friday, Aug. 12 versus GMC in Milledgeville, with action scheduled to begin at approximately 7 p.m.

Their first regular season game is just over three weeks away on Friday, Aug. 26 versus Monroe area at Rose Bowl field at 7:30 pm.

Practice began with three-a-day sessions, from 8-11:30 mornings, from 1-4 afternoons, and from 7-9 at night. Also, the team conducted an overnight camp on the high school campus which began Tuesday and continues through tomorrow. They also were to attend a group dinner at the Mexican restaurant Wednesday evening.

Head Football Coach Eddie Roberts said that approximately 50 players had come out for the team, which includes 17 seniors and 11 juniors.

The coach added, “I’m excited about this team, not only because of the number of seniors and juniors we have returning, but also because of the playing experience they bring to the field. The coaching staff and the players feel the same way, that we will be much more competitive than we have been in the past.”

The team will be losing the talents of Sadarius Rooks, who is scheduled to put on the pads at Shorter University this fall. However, Coach Roberts feels the running game won’t suffer due to the return of Chris Thomas, Tray Jackson, A.J. Thomas and Destin Breaux.

The coaching staff includes veterans Rydell Jackson, Buddy Cain, Aubrey Fortson, Patrick Barton, John Graybill, and also first year Coach Matt Hyde, who played for the ‘Canes and was a three-year starter at LaGrange College.