Gators putting in work at ‘The Swamp’

SEVEN SPRINGS — Day two is over.

Expect day three to be a repeat as high school football preseason practice continues in “The Swamp.”

Second-year Spring Creek head coach Ron Wise and his coaching staff spent countless minutes on techniques and blocking schemes during Thursday morning’s practice.

They either offered one-on-one instruction or talked with multiple players at one time. Some talks occurred during the stretching session or when the players headed to different drilling areas.

Though the conversations interrupted the normal flow, the extra tutoring is a necessity. It’s also part of a learning curve that includes changing the program’s culture.

Since the Neuse River Youth Football League folded years ago, players don’t receive any coaching until they reach middle school. Some easily grasp the different concepts involved with the sport, while others need more attention.

“We have basically started over because technically the majority of our student-athletes I had last season were part of the old head coaches’ group,” Wise said. “So far, things have gone well,” Wise said. “We are working on fundamentals and stressing repetition. Our student-athletes are being very receptive to the approach that we are taking. We are working very hard.”

Wise said the Gators will play host to American Leadership Academy today for a 7-on-7 session. Action begins at 1 p.m.

Spring Creek will conduct its second annual Blue-Green scrimmage Aug. 9. Two weeks later, the Gators open their season Aug. 23 at former Carolina 1A rival Lakewood.

“Everyone knows that the rebuilding process takes a year or two,” Wise said during a mid-summer meeting. “We want to make some changes, get the kids to believe [in themselves] and that they can win.”

You may reach Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or by email at prepswriter2@gmail.com.