Published: 11:28 PM, Mon Jul 30, 2012
First practice begins early for Gray's Creek football team
A rooster was heard crowing in the distance as the early morning sun began to engulf the empty football practice field Monday at Gray's Creek High School.
The still was interrupted at precisely 7:51 a.m. by approximately 60 varsity and junior varsity candidates emerging from the gymnasium in a single line. As the players reached the field, they circled head coach David Lovette, who quickly conducted a roll call.
A player Lovette expected to be in attendance for the first day of preseason practice didn't respond when his name was called.
"He's the guy we're counting on to replace Mike Keck,'' Lovette said later, referring to Gray's Creek's two-time all-region defensive end, now a freshman at UNC-Pembroke.
Practice shifted into high gear after warm-ups with players performing position drills. Lovette focused on the team's quarterbacks, senior Joe Wallace and junior Jefferie Gibson.
Gibson, a gifted athlete who is already receiving attention from major college recruiters, was having a minor problem with his footwork as he turned to execute a handoff.
"Take that side step,'' Lovette instructed Gibson.
The next time around, Gibson spun counterclockwise, made a step to the side and made a clean handoff.
"There is a method to the madness,'' Lovette said.
- Sammy Batten