Spring football was supposed to be running rampant across the country this month, but instead football players everywhere are being forced to stay at home to stay safe.
A football-crazed town like Louisville has had as tough a time as most in dealing with the fact that football is on hold for the foreseeable future. Head coach Tyrone Shorter understands the dangers of the coronavirus outbreak, however.
“It’s hard on everybody right now,” Shorter said. “We really wanted to get spring practice in because we have some positions we wanted to focus on and address. But my kids’ health is more important. We sent out a workout for our kids that they can do at home. We want them to continue to run and stay safe.”
Louisville High School is coming off of another successful season in which the team won the Class 4A, Region 4 championship, went 11-3 and got to within a game of the north state championship. The Wildcats didn’t defend their 4A state title from a year ago, but Shorter thought it was a solid season for LHS.
It’s difficult for the current team to progress forward with the lack of spring football but Shorter acknowledges that everyone is in the same boat at this juncture. His team needs time to work out what it will be in 2020.
“Defense is going to be our strong point. We have seven or eight returning starters. We’re going to be really focused on our quarterback and wide receiver positions,” Shorter said. “Missing the spring is really going to hurt us in that area . Once we get back, we’ve got to spend a lot of time together trying to gel.”
There was a glimmer of hope for the future last week, however, as the school introduced the plans for the annual jamboree. It’s slated for August 13 at RE Hinze Stadium with a solid lineup on tap.
Southeast Lauderdale and West Lowndes will start off this three-day event on Thursday evening along with four-time defending Class 5A state champions West Point as they take on Shannon.
On Friday, Columbus and Holmes County Central play as well as the home squad Louisville against Meridian. Saturday will have a full slate of games that include Leake Central vs. Kemper County, Philadelphia vs. Aberdeen, Noxapater vs. Leflore County, Noxubee County vs. Amanda Elzy and Class 6A powerhouse Starkville taking on 4A contender Greenwood to cap the big weekend.
“I talked to all of the coaches that are going to participate in the jamboree and everyone is excited about it. I know a lot of coaches are ready to get back into it and we hope to be able to pull it off,” Shorter said. “We want to get the kids ready for the upcoming season. A lot of the kids have already been asking about film on Meridian to get themselves ready.”
Shorter has had that enthusiasm from most of his players during this time as they refuse to take the time they get on the field for granted. The coach has set up game plans for the players to have themselves physically and mentally prepared for when they return.
“When all of this is over with, we’ve got to work our tails off,” Shorter said. “All of my coaches are talking to my players and keep encouraging them to do everything on their own. Our summer practices are going to be crucial for us so we’re going to be ready when that time comes.”
