Last Thursday was the first day of school in Hamilton County, so football practice at Central High School was held later in the day than normal.
There’s always a lot of confusion on the first day of school as students are trying to find their way around with a new schedule and it just takes time to get back in the swing of things.
The same could be said for Central’s practice later in the afternoon as hot, humid conditions and an unforgiving sun made the long afternoon practice almost unbearable.
It’s hard to get a handle on Central’s team under first-year coach Gary Bloodsaw, but they were totally out of rhythm as the offense tried to run some plays before the final wind sprints ended a long day.
It was obvious from the start that Bloodsaw has his work cut out for him.
It’s a new year and a new league for the Purple Pounders, who were the only team to beat Marion County last year before the state championship game. But for a team with an almost completely new coaching staff in addition to a host of unproven and inexperienced players, the former UTC quarterback is facing a really big challenge.
“They’re starting to get there,” said the 54-year-old Bloodsaw, who spent 17 years as the head coach at next-door neighbor Brown Middle School before assuming an assistant’s role for Central last year.
“I’m hoping that I can bring some stability to this program as this team has had six head coaches in the past eight years. It’s a process, but I’m here to regain their faith as I’m here to stay,” he added after those grueling wind sprints finally ended and a tired group of players slowly trudged back to the dressing room.
Currently, there are 60 players on Central’s roster, including 15 seniors.
However, the biggest drawback is that there are only four returning starters on offense and defense.
Taven Spann, one of those seniors who was a running back a year ago, has been chosen as Central’s quarterback. He may be the best athlete on the field.
Dayquan Witcher is another senior who’ll get plenty of chances as a wide receiver.
The rest of the starting positions are pretty much wide open.
“Taven never played quarterback before, but he has speed and agility. Our running game is coming along, but there’s still a ways to go with our passing game.
“We just have to play together as a unit as we don’t have any individual standouts. Progress has been slow and our execution today was terrible, but it was the first day of school and that may have had something to do with that,” Bloodsaw continued.
What are your goals for this first year at Central?
“I want us to be able to host a playoff game. I know we’re in a totally new league with a lot of teams were’re not familiar with. It’s been a slower process than I want, but I see us coming.
“Our offensive line not moving their feet is a big concern. These guys have been working hard since June 1, but discipline is being able to do the little things right. You’ve got to do that to win championships. It has to be a 24-7 thing and not just on the field,” the coach said quietly.
This is the first week of the regular season and Central will have a tough test right off as they host Notre Dame on Friday. The Fighting Irish are hoping to prove that last year’s run to the state semifinals wasn’t a fluke.
“Notre Dame will be a good challenge for this team as it will help us see where we stand at this point.
“I thought we were in better shape than we are, but most of these guys go both ways and it will be a long season if we don’t get there in a hurry.
“I feel like I understand kids better after working with them in middle school, but I finally got the job I wanted here at Central.
“It’s going to be a tough, uphill battle, but we have some really good athletes who have the chance to be competitive. I hope we’ll do well this fall,” Bloodsaw concluded.
The Pounders were picked sixth out of seven teams in the coaches poll for Region 3-4A. East Hamilton and Hixson are tied for first, followed by Livingston Academy, Sequoyah, Stone Memorial, Central and Cumberland County.
(Coming on Wednesday: Signal Mountain coach Ty Wise)
(email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)