Striking a balance

Model finds time to improve in different areas during acclimation.

Model’s football team finds time to improve in different areas during acclimation.

There’s always an area a football team can work on and improve. Even if the team can’t practice in pads yet.

The Model Blue Devils, like all Georgia High School Association football teams, are in the acclimation period of the season, with no pads allowed and only two hours per practice. But these limits allow coach Gordon Powers and staff to work on things he normally does not get to do when it’s closer to the season.

“We are just trying to do as much as we can without pads, and you can do a lot,” Powers said. “But there’s extra time we get that we normally lose from contact drills. That means more time running plays on offense, defense and special teams.”

There’s no doubt having some contact drills would be great for the team, but the coaching staff is fine with approaching the season in steps.

The Blue Devils bring back multiple skill players like quarterback Kyler Eldridge, running back Chris Dublin and fullback Stephen Finley, but the team still needs to replace multiple guys on both sides of the line.

Powers is quick to mention that the common fan often overlooks the smaller things, like special teams. It’s not just important to make sure the team has a good kicker, but improving every part of the unit for better field position.

“I think most high school coaches will preach the importance of field position, and special teams causes that,” Powers said.

“Most people think it’s all about field goals, but it is hard for a team to travel 80 yards for a score. But you put them at the 50-yard line, things become easier,” Powers added.

Model is coming off its second consecutive nine-win season, and Powers said he can tell there’s a winning attitude among some of the veteran players. He also appreciates the expectations the community now has for the team.

And while those veterans might be fighting off boredom before the season starts, there are plenty of young players who still need to learn the playbook and routines. This creates a balance that Powers admits is tricky at this point in the season.

The Blue Devils have a scrimmage at Cedartown on Aug. 12, and they begin their season with a trip to Sonoraville on Aug. 26.

Jeremy Stewart / Rome News-Tribune Model football players Kyler Eldridge (from left), Jabrious Smith, Jordon Wofford, Kirk McStotts (obscured) and Dawson Bradfield wait for the team picture to be taken Thursday at Model High School.