Hebron may return to varsity play in fall
Varsity football is close to making a return to Hebron Christian School.
Head football coach David Foster hopes the steps being taken during the offseason have increased the chances that the Eagles will be back on the field competing in high school games this fall.
Foster was disappointed last year when Hebron did not have enough varsity players for a team, but the numbers have improved since.
Even though he won't know for sure until school starts and he gets all of the players together for two-aday practices, Foster believes the Eagles have a chance to dress out at least 14 players.
“I should have enough high school aged players to build a team and enough ninth graders that are going to play up and help,” Foster said. “Some (of the 14) will be ninth graders and maybe even have some eighth graders. If I can get several eighth graders, I can have as many as 16 or 17. I should have about eight high school-aged players from 10th through 12th. I have a pretty good amount of junior varsity so I should be able to fill both teams this year.”
By at least having junior varsity games last season at Hebron, it gave the varsity cheerleaders, who had committed to buying uniforms, a chance to fulfill their role. The Eagles also had a homecoming on a Thursday night so the queen and her court could be recognized.
Even though Hebron did have a junior varsity season, it didn't happen without some adversity.
“I'm proud of the guys who stepped up and played,” Foster said. “We played a complete season, but there was a game that I played a quarter with just seven people. I had a couple hurt and had another hurt (during the game), so I only had seven and nobody on the sideline that could go in.”
The Eagles began summer conditioning about two weeks ago and they work three days per week.
Weightlifting is the main focus for Hebron, but Foster said they also run pass routes on the practice field to get some running in.
“We may not pass any in the game, but that gives them a chance to condition and some hand-eye stuff,” Foster said. “I think everything is going to work out. We're going to be kind of young, but that will be ok as long as we get to play.”