Wildcats enjoy stellar week
El Dorado football coach Scott Reed walked off the practice field Friday evening already looking forward to Monday. The Wildcats concluded the first week of practice at the high school with another winning effort.
"(Thursday) the second half of practice was excellent. The first half was the first time we were in shells and it got hot for a little bit. We didn't move as well," said Reed. "(Friday) was good. We moved some guys around. We've got some spots where there is a lot of competition. I think we've got good depth. We've got a lot of spots like that, which is a good thing to have."
The coach listed several positions where the competition has been hot. Even incumbent senior quarterback Darius Holly has had a challenger in sophomore Alex Hicks.
"I think Darius had his best week of practice since he's been here. I think he's improved a lot," said Reed. "Alex (Hicks) had a good week, too. That's a good deal to have. We're in good shape there, right now, with two guys. Darius picks things up. He sees things real well. He's had a really good week of throwing the ball and running it."
The Wildcats have worked on depth, working players on both sides of the football. Reed said some players will have to do double-duty this season.
"We're crossing over some guys. K-Mart (Kentravious Moore) is going to have to play some both ways. Taliq (Ellis) has got to play some both ways. We've got some other guys, too, that are showing signs," he said. "To do that, you've got to be in great condition, which we're not, yet. We're good but we're not good enough shape to play both ways. But, it's early. I think our conditioning is good for where we are but we didn't have any hot days this week.
"The other thing is, we've got so many on the roster this year, that helps because the reps are spread out a little bit and there more recovery time so the quality of practice has looked pretty good."
The coach struggled to list all of the players off the top of his head who stood out during the week.
"We have some competition at tailback. We have a lot of com-
petition there. Keonte Larry has had a really good week and Jarius Curry had a really good week. We've got competition at fullback, which is awesome," he said. "I think our wide receiver situation, there's good depth. We've got some new faces but they're talented. Keshun (Greene) had a good first week. He's improved in some areas. I think he's improved in how hard he works. Shun Levingston, a year ago we moved him there and he had always been a tailback. He had a reverse (Thursday) that he scored on. He has improved tremendously as a route runner. He sees things and he reacts and he's starting to cut like a receiver. He is a weapon because he runs well.
"Defensively, (middle linebacker) Mon-Trae (Marshall) had a really good first week. I think he weighs right at 240 but his conditioning is so much better than a year ago. He's gotten serious about nutrition and about training and doing the right stuff. I'm telling you, I think he's going to have some kind of year. He's thicker. He's strong. He can go all-day now and last year, he couldn't.
Reed also named Jerric Jefferson, Caleb Scott, Cecil Delphin and Donovan Walters along with the offensive line as a group.
The Wildcats will get in some more contact work, beginning Monday when the put on shoulder pads.
"We won't be scrimmaging on Monday but we'll be thuddin'. We'll be doing a lot of drill work but we're ready. Our offensive and defensive linemen, they hate this week because they're in shorts and everything is hands. Next week, you get to start figuring out if a guy can play in pads or not. That's the whole deal," said Reed.
"I think we know a lot about what to do. We've got a lot in - offensively and defensively - for this early. And, I'm pleased with our conditioning. I'm pleased with our depth and all that. But, it'll start sorting itself out on Monday."
El Dorado had a parent meeting on Thursday. Coaches Kris Borosvskis and DeAnthony Curtis modeled the new uniforms the Wildcats will wear this season.
"There's a lot of expectations, which is good. And, the kids' expectations are high. There's a lot of neat stuff going on around here," said Reed. "There's a lot to be excited about. They expect to do things this year and I think they're going to be fun to watch.
"I can't wait for Monday. I've really enjoyed the first week. You go in there and you go, 'Man, we're really good on defense' or 'We're really good against the run.' We're not going to have big holes. We have a chance to be good. We do."
Ten-and-oh, good?
Reed laughed, "We won today, I'll say that. We had a winning practice today."