The Olds High School Spartans football team is rounding into form heading into the season beginning on Sept. 3.
“I've really been impressed. We've been averaging that mid-20s range (for turnout) … this being their last week of their summer vacation, getting this many bodies out is quite good. It's looking very good. The kids are very eager.” said George Grant, head coach of the Spartans, adding he thinks the team will get about 35 players out by the time the regular schedule starts.
Grant said he has been impressed with the players that have moved up from the Bantam Bulldogs program last year.
“The Bulldogs that have moved up are fitting in really well and the veterans that are coming back have really shown some great growth from last year in their strength and desire to continue on that winning tradition that we established last year,” he said.
Grant said the focus of the pre-season camp was split between skill development and working on plays the team might want to run this year.
“A little bit of both, but mostly on skill development, making sure that the players understand what they can and cannot do and what we need to work on throughout the season. We are starting to put some plays in offensively … and at least get familiar with the playbook so when we get to that first game we'd be able to execute a number of plays,” he said, noting that will continue throughout the season.
Grant said the objective for this week is to continue practising the playbook and for players to hone their skills for the first contest on Saturday in Drumheller.
“Luckily we still have another full week of practice where we can continue to shine up the process and every day just get better,” he said.
