Featured image: The team prays before practice

By Marla Jones

Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

CROSSVILLE,  Ala,— The Crossville Varsity Football team is no stranger to adversity.  This year they received news that their region would be redistricted and that their head coach of three years would be resigning.  Although, the head coaching position has been up in the air, the Crossville Lions remained focused. Coach Miles Holcomb was appointed as Head Coach of the Crossville Lions effective July 26, 2016.  The team  has  made it through the bad times and now they are waiting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They are waiting for the year of the Lion.

I attended a Crossville Lions football practice the week before official football practice with pads and headgear began.  Coach Miles Holcomb has stepped up to help as coach for the team since the resignation of Coach Brian Clowdus   As I watched snaps and catches, blocks and kicks, I realized that the Lions are in it, to win it.  The stakes will be higher as they enter a tough region.  They will be battling powerhouses such as Boaz, Guntersville and Scottsboro.  The Lions are anxious to prove themselves.  The 105 degree index did not phase them nor will the region change.  They have sheer determination running thru their veins.

The team has stuck together thru the good and bad and they have a strong bond. They almost seem like a tight knit family.  Words of encouragement could be heard as they worked together to better not only themselves but the team.  Coach Holcomb has brought new life to the team.  His enthusiasm is contagious.

Under the leadership of Coach Holcomb, the team has issued a zero-tolerance on profanity and they have made a commitment to be leaders on and off the field.  I was very impressed as they came on the field, that they took a moment to have a player lead prayer.  Win, lose or draw, these players are champions in my book.

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS:

The weakness of this team will be entering into a new region all while trying to learn a new coach and his plan for the team.  Their strength will be the sheer determination to prove themselves as a team.

2015 RECORD:

Crossville Varsity Football finished the 2015 season with a 1-9 record.  The team faced several tough opponents and their record did not reflect their strengths and talents.

PREPARATION:

The team does a combination of strength training and field exercises, grades 7-12, four days a week.

PLAYERS:

Crossville has twelve returning seniors.  The team boasts eight returning defensive starters and five returning offensive starters for the 2016 season.

COACHES:

Coach Miles Holcomb will begin his tenue as Head Coach for the Crossville Lions.  Joining him will be Coach Miles Keith- Defensive Coordinator,  Coach Donny Stevens-Defensive Line/Special Teams, Coach Frank Posey-Co Offensive Coordinator, Coach Jake Peek- Inside Receivers, Coach Brad Bruce-Co Offensive Coordinator, Coach Danny Smith-Linebacker Coach, Coach Will Brock-Running Backs.

SCHEDULE:

The Crossville Lions will kick off their season with a Jamboree Game against Valley Head at home on August 19, 2016.  Their first two season games will be on the road.  The Lions will face next door neighbor, the Collinsville Panthers on August 26, 2016.  The Lions then travel to Scottsboro on September 2, 2016.  The Lions will have the homefield advantage as they host Arab on September 9 2016.  On September 16, 2016, the Lions will host Douglas.  The Sylvania Rams come to visit on September 23, 2016.  The Lions will hit the road for three weeks straight as they travel to: Boaz on September 30, 2016, Guntersville on October 7, 2016 and Etowah on October 14, 2016.  The Lions return home for the last two games of regular season play as they face Alexandria on October 22, 2016 and the Geraldine Bulldogs on October 28, 2016.