After months of anticipation and uncertainty, RHS Football is back in action. While many schools in Texas will have their seasons delayed due to COVID-19, the Tigers, ranked No. 7 in pre-season polls, hit the ground running as they enter the 2020 season with championship aspirations.
The Tigers returned to the field last week. The athletes practiced in helmets and shorts from Monday through Friday in walk-throughs and position drills. Coaches implemented new strategies and motivated the guys to go as hard as they could despite the triple-digit weather.
The week ended with the team having their first practice in pads. They guys were energized and ready to get after each other.
“The first practice in full pads is always one of the most fun mornings of our season,” RHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey said. “I loved the energy we showed and the effort was there too.”
The team started the day off with the physical “vortex” drills. Similar to the famous Oklahoma drill, an offensive and defensive lineman go head to head, while a linebacker and ball carrier stand five yards behind on opposite ends. When the whistle blows, both sides run at each other to see who can push the opposing player back. The drill is a test of will to see who will step up and make a play.
“I feel like physicality is something that we were lacking last year,” senior quarterback Jace Robinson said. “Just making tackles and being physical this year will help us big time.”
After the drills, both the varsity and junior varsity performed a live scrimmage. Players wasted no time getting after each other. The varsity offensive line gave Robinson plenty of time to throw and the wide receivers ran some good routes. The defense also made plays as Kesean Raven made an excellent interception by high pointing the ball. They were stout against the run and did not let up.
“There’s still a lot we need to work on,” Campsey said. “We need to improve our technique across the board. We’re throwing in more concepts this year so it’s going to take some time to get that stuff down. All of that is expected for the first week of practice.”
Campsey and his staff continued to take safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic has already shut down the season for 2A Ben Bolt-Palito in Blanco ISD. They announced the cancellation of all their fall sports for the year on Monday. With COVID-19 numbers still rising in Texas and schools continuing to debate shuttering their season, both coaches and players are aware that this season will be unpredictable.
“To be honest, I’m about the same level of nervous that I was when we first started,” Campsey said. “I just tell the guys that they have to keep a positive attitude because that can go a long way.”
Robinson echoed the same message and said the team will continue to give their all every day.
“We’re just playing every practice like it’s our last,” Robinson said. “It’s a little nerve racking seeing all this going on, but hopefully they stick with it and we get to have our season.”
The Tigers will play their first and only scrimmage against Mexia High School on Aug. 20 in Mexia.
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