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Coaches Talk After First Official High School Football Practice

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Kevin Carver

Still gearing up for high school football? This past week was the first official practice and all teams seem to be glad about being back on the football field. The Rutherford Weekly caught up with the coaches after the first practice and here is what they had to say.

At R-S Central, Mike Cheek begins his 11th season as the Hilltoppers head coach. They have 11 starters returning (3 offense/8 on defense), which isn’t half bad for the boys in blue and white.

“Our defense will have to carry us until the offense can catch up,” Cheek said. “A lot of kids are going to have to grow up fast if we are to be successful. We had a good summer turnout in the weight room and the main key is just to stay healthy.”

A number of things will carry over from a year ago by not changing much scheme wise, but like every county school this season, youth will be an issue in places.

Over in Harris, Chase coach Daniel Bailey begins his fifth season as the Trojans head coach. The first thing on his mind wasn’t football for thought. “I have been dealing with high school sports since the late 80’s and I can’t remember a cooler August 1st than this one,” Bailey said. “Today was a good practice and I see quality players. We have a ton of skilled kids, but they are mostly young. We know that they will make a mistake, just hopefully not the same one over and over again. A lot of juniors and sophomores will have to play key for us on Friday nights this season. Right now, it’s about progression each time we hit the field.” 

Chase won’t have an easy schedule this season, so maturity will have to kick up a notch by August 22.

In Avondale, Coach Jerry Cash is the general at Thomas Jefferson for the third consecutive season. 

“We will be okay with what we have on the field, we are going to lack depth again this season. I think this team will do well when we are healthy and should be able to play competitively with most of the teams on our schedule. I am not sure at the moment if we can, but the goal is to definitely try to win a conference championship and do well in the playoffs if we are to make it,” Coach Cash said.

Thomas Jefferson will change up the offense this season and may have to start a freshman or two if it comes down to it.

East Rutherford’s Coach Clint Bland seemed anxious to get his team on the field in his sixth year at the helm.

:We’re excited about the season, although we would like for our numbers to be a little better,” Bland said. “The main thing to keep everybody healthy as we look for a successful season, get in the playoffs and see what we can do there.”

The Rutherford County Football Jamboree will be at Chase this season and start around 5pm on August 14. R-S Central vs. North Gaston (JV/Varsity), East Rutherford vs. Landrum (JV/Varsity) and Chase host North Lincoln (JV/Varsity) in the finale.

The road was at one time at friend place for the Braves this season, but not on this most recent road trip. They are 0-6 in this latest Western Swing and lost four of them by a run. They have backslid and sit 3.5 games back in the National League East. Luckily, they come back home Friday to play the Nationals and that’s a big series if Atlanta wants to take the playoff race into their own hands. There is still 50 games left, but losing the next two series could put the Nationals in the drivers seat to stroll away with the National League East.

Locally, Rutherfordton’s Junior League team is two wins away from going to the Little League World Series. So far, they have been undefeated in the Southeast Regionals winning 18-12, 9-2 and 10-1 and would head to Taylor, Michigan if they can hold on in Greenville, SC.

Finally, the Forest City Owls (#3 West) have locked up a CPL playoff spot and they will face Gastonia (#2 West)  from August 6-8. Game one will be at Gastonia, Game 2 in Forest City and the deciding Game 3 if needed at Gastonia.

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