James Courtney, the head coach of two-time defending MHSAA Class 1A State Champion Nanih Waiya, likes to practice as much as anybody. But he’s also not sweating the fact that due to the Coronavirus pandemic his Warriors won’t be able to have spring football practice this year.
“We are a little different than a lot of schools,” Courtney said. “Most of our skill position athletes are still playing baseball (when spring football practice is being held), so we really don’t get to work with them much anyway. It’s mostly for the linemen and we have a really good group coming back, possibly one of the best groups in the state. We only lost one off our line, so we have experience.”
While acknowledging that the loss of 10 seniors off of last year’s 14-2 team that defeated Lumberton 28-13 in the state championship game in Hattiesburg in December would be tough to overcome, he also noted that a lot of his young players got a lot of playing time.
“With the line we have and the fact that we have Austin Sanders returning in the backfield, we should be good to go,” he said. “We just need to stay healthy.”
While a lot of schools may be concerned about the loss of an organized strength and conditioning program due to school’s being at least temporarily shut down statewide, Courtney said the uniqueness of the Nanih Waiya community is an advantage for the Warriors.
“These are good ol’ country boys,” Courtney said. “They will be out working on the farm or working around the house. I’m not too worried about them being lazy and getting soft. Their folks will help keep them in good shape.”
Courtney will also be able to keep a close eye on his team’s new starting quarterback this summer, since it happens to be his son Tanner.
“I’m pretty sure he will be ready to go to,” Courtney said.
