Wolverines have morning practices

West coach Bryan Pratt admits he is a “morning guy,” so he has taken advantage of school not being in session by having his team practice in the mornings the last two days.

“I’ve always done this,” Pratt said. “It gives the kids the evenings off, and they don’t get very many of those during the summer. It’s also for my coaches. It gives them a little time in the afternoon to spend with their families and do some things they normally can’t do because of football practice always being in the afternoon.

“It’s good for us to come in here and practice and get it over with, and the kids are excited about having the whole afternoon off to enjoy.”

While the practice times might have been different, Pratt said the Wolverines’ approach has remained the same as they prepare for Friday’s key 7A-West Conference showdown against Springdale Har-Ber. The outcome of Friday’s game could leave West (4-2, 3-0) anywhere between sole possession of first place in the league standings to a four-way tie for the top spot with three games remaining.

“It was no different Tuesday than what a normal day of practice was,” Pratt said. “Our kids are focused and know the task at hand.

“I think the farther the season goes on, they know the importance of conference play, and we’ve told them that every game gets bigger if you keep winning. We still control our destiny.”

West returns to an afternoon practice today as school resumes following its fall break, then the Wolverines play at home Friday against Har-Ber.