It may only be spring, but Bradwell Institute’s football team is going at it full speed.
More than 112 students came out for practice, which started Monday and lasts until May 18.
After two days of practicing in helmets and shorts, the players strapped on the pads and started hitting each other.
Coach Jim Walsh Jr. is pleased with his team’s enthusiasm and has high hopes for the upcoming season.
“So far, we’ve looked pretty good,” he said. “We’re excited. We know we have a pretty good opportunity with all these kids returning.”
2007 could be a banner year for the Tigers, who return 17 starters from last season’s team that finished third in the region and advanced to the state playoffs.
Some of the returnees include 2006 All-Region 3-AAAAA first team defensive back rising senior Curtis Bryant, rising junior linebacker Shaquille Russell and rising junior defensive lineman Jashon Thomas.
Another year makes a big difference, according to Walsh.
“They’re better mentally and physically,” he said. “The off-season and the weight room were really good to us. We got stronger and more confident, and we’re definitely making steps forward.”
Other big names returning include defensive backs Vontavious Pennyman, Manuel Crum and Josh Magaw, linebackers Jeremiah James and Keddrick Brown, running back DeMario Day, kicker Joey Lliso, wide receiver Ronald Joseph and quarterback Wilson Brown.
Wilson Brown, a sophomore, may be able to showcase his talents a little more this season. Walsh said Brown has a great arm and they will work on throwing the ball more this season to open the wing-T attack.
In the spring, the Tigers are keeping it simple and working on fundamentals.
“For the older kids we’re tuning them up and getting them back to practice and seeing what we can and can’t do for the upcoming year,” he said. “For the rising freshman, the spring gives us an opportunity to see them running around with the older kids and evaluate them.”
Walsh said several of the young players are stepping up and competing for starting positions.
“We have a lot of competition at a lot of positions,” he said. “That’s something we’re enthused about. Competition makes you a better football team. We have a lot of depth everywhere and that’s a first in a long time.”
“If the kids do what they’re supposed to do on the field and in the classroom, I feel really good about the upcoming season,” Walsh said.
More than 112 students came out for practice, which started Monday and lasts until May 18.
After two days of practicing in helmets and shorts, the players strapped on the pads and started hitting each other.
Coach Jim Walsh Jr. is pleased with his team’s enthusiasm and has high hopes for the upcoming season.
“So far, we’ve looked pretty good,” he said. “We’re excited. We know we have a pretty good opportunity with all these kids returning.”
2007 could be a banner year for the Tigers, who return 17 starters from last season’s team that finished third in the region and advanced to the state playoffs.
Some of the returnees include 2006 All-Region 3-AAAAA first team defensive back rising senior Curtis Bryant, rising junior linebacker Shaquille Russell and rising junior defensive lineman Jashon Thomas.
Another year makes a big difference, according to Walsh.
“They’re better mentally and physically,” he said. “The off-season and the weight room were really good to us. We got stronger and more confident, and we’re definitely making steps forward.”
Other big names returning include defensive backs Vontavious Pennyman, Manuel Crum and Josh Magaw, linebackers Jeremiah James and Keddrick Brown, running back DeMario Day, kicker Joey Lliso, wide receiver Ronald Joseph and quarterback Wilson Brown.
Wilson Brown, a sophomore, may be able to showcase his talents a little more this season. Walsh said Brown has a great arm and they will work on throwing the ball more this season to open the wing-T attack.
In the spring, the Tigers are keeping it simple and working on fundamentals.
“For the older kids we’re tuning them up and getting them back to practice and seeing what we can and can’t do for the upcoming year,” he said. “For the rising freshman, the spring gives us an opportunity to see them running around with the older kids and evaluate them.”
Walsh said several of the young players are stepping up and competing for starting positions.
“We have a lot of competition at a lot of positions,” he said. “That’s something we’re enthused about. Competition makes you a better football team. We have a lot of depth everywhere and that’s a first in a long time.”
“If the kids do what they’re supposed to do on the field and in the classroom, I feel really good about the upcoming season,” Walsh said.