PHOTO: Lion's teammates get set for a drill at workouts last week. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
CROSSVILLE, Ala. — For my fifth stop of Inside the Huddle, I travelled south to visit the Crossville Lions. It seemed like it was 108 degrees before 8:00 am. I could feel myself melting as I was standing there watching the players run set after set. Being able to observe a Crossville practice was tough, because the Lions have been on the move this summer. They have participated in several camps and have played in scrimmage games. At Crossville, it is all about overcoming obstacles and improving day by day.
The Crossville Lions Varsity Football team is no stranger to adversity. Last year, their region was redistricted and they welcomed a new coach. The team has made it thru rough times, and adapted to the changes. They now see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Lions are in it to win it!
PREPARATION:
The Crossville Lions practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Roll call begins at 5:50 a.m. While most students are enjoying their summer by sleeping late, the forty-eight member Crossville Lions football team, are putting in the time to be the best. The team lifts weights and then heads to the practice field. The new gym at Crossville was built on the Lions practice field so the team practices at the “J”. The “J” is where Jennifer’s Mill used to be located. The team has renamed the field the “Jungle.”
MOTIVATION:
Having 100% participation for all twenty-eight workouts, during the summer, is often unheard of for any football team. At the first of summer, the coaching staff at Crossville put out a challenge to all the players. If a player makes all twenty-eight scheduled practices, they will be awarded a steak dinner with the coaches. Those who do not attend all practices will eat hot dogs and chips at the end of summer ceremony….since I am a Honorary Coach, maybe I will get to have the steak dinner.
2016 RECORD:
The Lions finished the 2016 season with a 4-6 record. The team faced several tough opponents and their record did not reflect the team's strengths and talents. This year, their motto is “Hunt 10”. This motto has a dual meaning, a tribute to Hunter Jones and that the team is in the hunt for ten wins this season. The last time Crossville was in the playoffs was when Coach Holcomb was a senior, in 2004. You will also see the hashtag #9strong used for the Crossville football, meaning there are nine position groups, if they are all working at maximum capacity, the team can be successful.
PLAYERS:
Crossville will have fourteen seniors this year. The team boasts nine returning defensive starters and seven returning offensive starters for the 2017 season. The team wants to be known as “Uncommon,” doing common things uncommonly good.
COACHES:
Coach Miles Holcomb will return for his second year as Head Coach for the Crossville Lions. Returning Coaching Staff: Coach Miles Keith-Defensive Coordinator,Coach Donny Stevens-Defensive Line/Special Teams, Coach Frank Posey- Offensive Coordinator, Coach Jake Peek-Inside Receivers , Coach Brad Bruce-Offense, Coach Danny Smith-Linebacker Coach and Coach Will Brock-Running Backs. Joining the Lions coaching staff will be, Coach Dusty Darnell-Linebackers and Coach Gannon Pointer-Quarterbacks/Junior Varsity.
SCHEDULE:
9/1 vs Collinsville
9/8 vs Scottsboro *
9/15 @ Arab*
9/22 @ Douglas*
9/29 @ Sylvania
10/6 vs Boaz*
10/13 vs Guntersville*
10/20 vs Etowah*
10/27 @ Alexandria*
11/3 @ Geraldine
*denotes region game
I was extremely surprised at the bond that the Crossville Lions players have with each other. All underclassmen have a, “Big Brother” who pushes them to excel. Coach Holcomb and his staff are instilling a sense of pride and unity. I predict that this year, the Crossville Lions will excel and will be in the “Hunt 10.”
