Guarded, hidden smiles highlight first-ever Prep Media Day
Sights from Tuesday’s River Region Media Day at Garrett Coliseum. Teams provided a player for interviews during the event.
By GRAHAM DUNN
There was plenty of good news on the high school football front in the first two days of the week.
First, teams began “best practice” workouts on Monday, which are now allowed by both the AHSAA and AISA.
On Tuesday, the 27 teams in the River Region took part in the first ever Prep Media Day at Garrett Coliseum.
Both were a welcomed change for everyone involved.
“Great to get out there and not be stuck at home,” stated Lee senior defensive end Anquin Barnes. “I think everybody is itching to do something.”
“We are getting them at 6:30 in the morning to get them going,” Carver coach James Thompson said. “I think the fact that we are able to get on the field means something and it’s a little easier right now because they’ve been waiting so long.”
Despite the fact that high school athletics are now moving towards a season, the elephant in the large cavern known as Garrett Coliseum was still the COVID-19 issue that has sidelined all of sports for the most part. High schools lost most of the spring season but most coaches and players expect to have a fall season, even if it looks a lot different.
“We’ve tried to keep everyone active,” Elmore County coach Jordan Cantrell said. “There’s not a lot to do around Eclectic so it wasn’t too hard to do but it’s time to work.”
Even as coaches put on a good face on Tuesday, there was still news brewing that would affect the season. Autaugaville coach Javaris Jackson was waiting to hear about three games on his schedule that might be cancelled due to schools canceling fall sports.
Sure enough, later in the day on Tuesday Jackson learned that Barbour County would not field a football team this fall.
“It’s something we will deal with when we have to,” Jackson said. “It’s tough. We lost our first team last year when Holy Spirit folded their team so this is something we’ve dealt with. But we are planning to still play football.”
Jackson said there is a good chance that the opener against R.C. Hatch will be canceled while games against Francis Marion and Ellwood Christian are also up in the air.
“Those are good basketball schools but I sure hope they decide to play,” Jackson said. “I’m not sure if we can replace those games but I’m already working the phone.”
L.C. Cole returns to Montgomery as the head coach of Park Crossing but COVID has already hit his practice time. He’s had two weeks of workouts canceled due to members of his team that were tested positive.
“We are trying to implement a new system but we are behind,” Cole said. “But we have to take care of the players and their health and safety. That comes first.”
Sidney Lanier coach Marvin Cunningham is using the situation as a teaching tool.
“It’s important that our kids understand that it’s not about us but everybody else in the world. We have to take care of our elders and keep them safe. We love football but we love people first. We will get the opportunity to play football eventually.”
Of the 27 teams in the River Region, six have new coaches. That includes Rory Bell at Jeff Davis who made his first appearance as the Vols’ coach.
“It’s great to be a part of what I consider a hot bed of high school football,” Bell said. “Lot of great players here and I am appreciative to be a part of it.”
Season-opening weekend is set for Aug. 20-21.