by Allen Hamrick
Well, football has once again started its spiral towards the first game of the season for the CCPIF league. This past Saturday, A, B, and C teams travelled to St. Mary’s for the grid against Ritchie and St. Mary’s.
It has been tough to get back on track, since the practice field was turned to mush after the flood of 2016. However, it does nothing to deter the spirit of the teams. They have been practicing at the park on top of Maysel Hill and are primed for football. They have some of the most caring coaches any team could have to guide these kids. They are tough but fair, and work hard and play hard is the rule.
The Grid was their first real head to head battle of the season. The stands were practically full, with standing room only on the side lines, as football action played out on every inch of the field.
Coaches got a good chance to see other teams, work on their weaknesses and build on their strengths. Clay County’s A team looked more like a college team, as their defense dominated the field, and the offense seemed to score at will. The A team defense was brutal with their tackling and basically turned out the lights on the run game. The running backs found the holes in the line opened up by a tough a tough group of lineman, and you may as well call the butcher, they was bringing the pig.
The CCPIF A team will be a tough team to wipe the field with if they stay healthy. The B and C teams did very well, also. Each team did a great job, and the CCPIF league will be a force to reckon with this season. All the coaches will now take what they have learned and get set for the regular season opener. The bugs will be worked out, and they will be ready for the first game of the season in Tyler County.
If you want to see some great raw football action where football is played like it should be played, don’t miss out on a game. The teams are primed for action, and they aim to please. 2016 will be the year of the Panther. Pictures courtesy of Michelle Casto.