FLORENCE — The dog days of summer gave way to start of a familiar fall ritual Friday as high school football began anew.
First practices were held across the Pee Dee and the state beginning early in the morning and lasting throughout the day.
“We’re excited about the start of a new year,” South Florence coach Lynn Fleming said. “The first couple of days this year are different than they were last year. Everyone’s more familiar, everyone knows what to expect.”
For the first time in the last three years, the Bruins have a familiar figure at the helm as Fleming enters his second season. South was 2-9 last season.
“I think consistency is good for anyone, players or coaches,” Fleming said. “We had a good summer and we have a lot of core players coming back. I think they’re excited about the new season and about moving in the right direction.”
Consistency was anything but the norm at West Florence’s practice. The Knights lost 31 seniors from last year’s 7-5 playoff squad, forcing some changes to the schedule.
“We’re changing the way we practice,” West coach Trey Woodberry said. “We have a lot of underclassmen that can’t drive, so we have to have practice twice in the morning.
“Most of the kids don’t have an afternoon ride to school.”
The Knights have changed their offense, their defense and both coordinators. Getting used to the new systems and terminology was a key topic at practice.
“There’s a lot of teaching, a lot of film study that will have to be done,” Woodberry said. “We have one starter on offense and two on defense returning. So we have a lot of guys who are going to have to learn quickly and step up for us.”
Friday’s practice was a “welcomed labor” for Darryl Page and the Wilson Tigers.
A year ago, the Tigers were fresh off a state title. Now they have to put behind them a disappointing 5-5 season that started with an altercation and subsequent postseason suspension.
“We’ve gone through both ends of the spectrum these last two years,” Page said. “Now we’re looking forward to returning Wilson football to what it can be.”
The Tigers will have a healthy mix of veteran and young players, Page said, including the return of quarterback Maliek McCall.
“The kids are excited, the coaches are excited,” Page said. “This year will the first for some kids and the last for others. Seeing the looks on their faces is something that keeps you going.”
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