BCHS to begin full contact work Friday

After easing into practice in shorts and helmets, the Banks County High School Leopards will enter full scale contact work Friday.

Banks County High School head football coach Blair Armstrong said earlier this week the Leopards are scheduled to work in full gear beginning Friday afternoon, weather permitting.

Friday is the first day of class for the 2008-09 school year although practice sessions this week have been after school with teachers and coaches taking part in pre-planning.

“We have to get accustomed to the heat anyway,” Armstrong said. “That’s why are looking at afternoon practices from now on.”
Monday’s practice was cancelled so players and coaches could attend the funeral of teammate Cody Gowder (see related story). Practice resumed on Tuesday to help the players return to some level of a normal schedule.

A year ago, the summer heat played a big role in the practice schedule at this time. The Leopards were unable to practice in full gear for several weeks because of the heat index. Armstrong said coaches will keep a close gauge on the temperatures again this year.

The BCHS coaches also take numerous water breaks during all practices and make a point to keep all players hydrated at all times. Armstrong also stressed that his players have healthy diets to prevent problems during practice.

BCHS football players, coaches, cheerleaders, managers and band members will take part in picture day Saturday at 9 a.m. at the football field. The Leopards will host Johnson High School, a program Armstrong formerly coached, on Aug. 15 for a preseason scrimmage. Practice will then continue until the Aug. 29 season opener against Washington-Wilkes.