LEWISBURG (WVDN) – The Greenbrier East Spartans football team began fall practice last week and with that first week now over, things are looking positive for the green and gold.
The Spartans will continue to practice this week, then work in two scrimmages before the season opener, a home game with Point Pleasant on Aug. 26.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Baker said he and his staff are very pleased up to this point in camp.
“First week of practice was great,” Baker said. “All the kids worked hard each and every day. Getting everything implemented on each side of the ball is a big task and the players did a great job of applying what they were taught.”
The players seem to be eager to get going for the season and that eagerness has shown on the practice field thus far.
“One of the things that has stood out to the coaching staff is how energetic the kids are during practice. We haven’t had anyone get complacent or anyone with lack of attention. They are all willing to learn and get better each day,” Baker said.
East will be young in some key positions this season, but that is to be expected each and every year throughout the state with most teams. However, the younger Spartan players are taking it day-by-day and getting better each time out on the field as well.
“The younger players have done a nice job in adapting to their new roles. This doesn’t just apply to our freshman, but also to some sophomores and juniors who have been expected to fill a certain role this year. The freshmen have definitely been like sponges and are soaking up every bit of information they are given. The group is very coachable as are all our kids,” Baker explained.
When asked what the most noticeable thing has been so far, Baker did not hesitate to answer.
“The biggest accomplishment thus far has been really just coming together as a team. The kids are trusting each other, encouraging each other, and really embracing how to come together and play as one complete unit,” he said.
With the official kickoff just right around the corner, this week’s itinerary will involve repetitions and being ready to get on the game field.
“This week’s focus will be trying to take our inexperienced new players and getting them as many reps as possible in as many different game-type situations as possible. The more situational reps these guys can get the better it will be for us as a team, especially as the first game of the season is now only about three weeks away,” Baker said.
