Gridiron Leopards ready to put on pads

The summer is winding down for the Banks County Leopards.

The football team officially begins practice on Monday and this summer has been productive for the team, as the coaching staff and players worked their way through the Pride of Summer program and spent time at camp.

Looking to improve on last season’s 2-9 record, the Leopards take a crack at the subdivided 8-AA region.

Playing on the north side, Banks will contend with Dawson, East Hall, Fannin, Rabun and Union. There will also be one crossover game between Banks and East Jackson during the season.

All this builds up to the region play-in game and hopefully another shot at the playoffs for “Big Blue.”

This week, the Leopards finished up the Pride of Summer program for the varsity team and hosted the annual youth camp, which concludes Thursday.

Suiting up Monday, the players put the summer training to work and start counting down the days before heading back under the lights to host Franklin County in a scrimmage game Aug. 13.