The Jefferson Davis Academy Raider (8-man) football team hit the practice field last week in preparation for the upcoming season.
More than 16 players arrived for the team’s initial Aug. 2 workout.
The players got a heavy dose of conditioning before breaking up for group sessions.
JDA head coach Joey Lott said practice was about what he expected for the first week of drills.
“We had a long break since spring practice so obviously we have a lot of work to do,” Lott said.
“Right now, we’re focusing on conditioning and fundamentals.”
The Raiders did some tinkering with its offense during the first week of drills as they shuffled players around at different positions.
The biggest move was converting last season starting quarterback Edward Givens to receiver. With Givens aimed at catching passes, Matthew Webster becomes the new starter at quarterback. Webster was the backup last season.
Lott said the move is an attempt to improve the team’s offensive efficiency for this season.
“Edward Givens is a good athlete. As coaches, we want to get him on the edge and just let him make plays due to his leaping ability,” Lott said.
“As far as our quarterback is concerned, Matthew knows the offense and he does a good job of getting the ball off and on target to his receivers.”
For the Raiders several players shined during the first week of practices, including Alex Still, Nic Jamison, Brandon Bates and Dakota Brown.
“I thought we did some good things. However, there are also some areas we need to get better and that comes with pratcie,” Lott said.
“The participation was good, but, we didn’t get in as much work offensively as I would have liked. Overall though, I was pleased with the effort.”
JDA will hold two more evening practices before its first scrimmage Wednesday at home against Andrew Jackson Academy.
“The scrimmage against Andrew Jackson will be a good early test for our football team,” said Lott.
The Raiders will play in the SCISA 1A jamboree Friday at W.W. King Academy in Batesburg at 6 p.m.
JDA will opened its regular season Aug. 20 at Ridge Christian Academy.