By Allen Hamrick
The Clay County High School football team began practice on Monday, August 1, in preparation for the 2016 football season. The Panthers will be under the direction of new CCHS Head Football Coach Jason Nichols. Nichols brings an exciting new staff with him as the Panthers begin an entirely new chapter of Clay High football.
The offseason has been a rough one, as the team lost nearly everything in the recent flooding that devastated our community and other areas around the state. The football locker room at CCHS was under nearly eight feet of water and mud. The flood ruined decades of history, equipment and memories from the basement level facility of Clay County High School.
Many thought the season would be in jeopardy, as the Panthers were left with no means to run a football program. However, much support from around the county, state, and country has provided our players and coaches an opportunity to start over. Area schools began donating equipment and money as early as two days after the flood. Then, schools from around the state and surrounding states began equipment drives and donations for Clay County High School football along with other teams that have been affected. Many local businesses, along with numerous individuals, came to the aid of our Clay County kids to ensure that they would play football this year. Finally, major colleges and universities such as West Virginia University, Marshall University, Florida State University and the University of Alabama have all helped save our 2016 season.
CCHS would like to thank all of those who have helped as the community continues to rebuild after the flooding. The players began practice on Monday still in need, as helmets and other necessary equipment are yet to arrive. However, the resiliency of our county and our kids will be on display during the entire 2016 season. Now it is no longer as important how we play, just as long as we play.
The Panthers would like to dedicate this season to the many who have been impacted by the devastating flood. Coaches and players do not promise a certain number of victories, but they do pledge their effort and dedication to the many still struggling to get back to normal. Clay County Panthers will play this season under the motto “One Community, One Team,” as they acknowledge that rebuilding CCHS football is only one small step in rebuilding the lives of the people of Clay County
Panther football hopes to see the stands packed on Friday, August 26, as they take on the Pirates from Fayetteville. Scrimmages will be played prior to the first game on August 13 at Bradley Field at 10 a.m. against Poca and then on August 20 at Midland Trail High School. Please, come out and support these young men as they begin a fresh chapter of Clay County High School football.
