By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — For my third stop of Inside the Huddle, I visited the Class 6A Fort Payne Varsity Wildcats.
As the players walked onto the practice field, I was surprised at the number of athletes. The Wildcats will have several talented players to choose from, for crucial positions, this year. After watching them go thru agility training, I am sure Fort Payne has what it takes to do well this season. Official practice with pads will begin after school starts.
The Fort Payne Wildcats will have strength in leadership. The team has 21 returning Seniors. The team will have nine returning on offense and will have eight returning on defense for the 2019 season.
The Fort Payne team has conditioned with weights and agility three days per week over the summer to make them "stronger and quicker" according to Head Coach Chris Elmore.
They have attended 7-on-7 camps and practices throughout the summer as well.
"We have tried not to overdo on practices, but have really paid strict attention to strength and conditioning," said Elmore. "We have had great attendance over the summer with most players making 19 of the 24 workouts so far."
Coach Elmore reported that a couple of players have already suffered season-ending injuries, but other younger players have stepped up to the challenge.
The coaching staff, which has seen many changes, now includes: Coach Brent Tinker, formerly of Ider; Coach Pat Vincent, formerly of Plainview and Scottsboro; and Coach Cole Peters. These new coaches join Elmore, along with Darrell Prater, Eric Varnadore, Richard Camp, Todd Phillips, Scott Shankles and David Stanley.
Fort Payne High School Varsity Football is a powerhouse in Class 6A. They have strength and leadership to make it deep into the playoffs. They possibly could bring home the Blue trophy and a State Championship ring. Strength is something they definitely can boost about.
The Fort Payne Wildcats face a competitive region but have the skills and leadership to do well this season.
