Practice limits no win deal
The high school football season doesn't officially kick off for more than three months, but that won't stop schools from hitting the field for spring games this month.
Sparkman ended its spring practices with a game at Hartselle last night.
The Mustangs are seeking replacements for several seniors, including linebacker Zach Riggins and cornerback Walter Hough, who have signed college scholarships.
Bob Jones will host East Limestone Friday, May 16, to conclude the Patriots' spring drills.
The Patriots will have plenty of spots to fill in its lineup this fall after having 10 players sign college scholarships this spring.
In short, it has been a busy spring as teams look to fill some key holes in their lineups.
But this year has been a bit more worrisome for high school football coaches under a new mandate from the Alabama High School Athletic Association that reduced the number of spring practice dates from 15 to 10.
The new change has meant that practice time has been at a premium for programs as they wrap up the school year and get ready for summer workouts.
Ten practice dates have dampened the importance of spring football games because ten practice dates has dampened the importance of spring football games because teams really can't get into game condition in just two weeks.
The AHSAA, assumedly, put the 10-day rule into effect after looking at some of the surrounding states.
The ruling was met with mixed reaction.
With the addition of summer workout rules and 7-on-7 camps, spring football is no longer as important as it was in the past, especially at schools with established programs.
Larger schools, like Hartselle and Brewer, have plenty of returning players with game experience. So a spring game might just be a way to knock off the rust.
Spring can be instrumental in getting some younger players used to game-type situations and the new limits are tough.
It will be important for coaches to use those 10 days wisely.
Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 772-6677 or by email at todd.thompson@madisoncountyrecord.com
