Wildcats are moving in the right direction
Following El Dorado's practice Wednesday evening, Wildcat coach Scott Reed calmly assessed his team's most recent outing.
Basically, Reed disclosed that there was a lot of good, which was accompanied by a few minor things he didn't like. But overall, he's happy with the constant improvement being made by the Wildcats.
"We started off slow at first, but we got a lot of good team work in at the end. We worked on our tempo," the coach said. "Our big guys are getting good work, which is good to see.
"At the end of practice we had a lot of fast pace stuff. You could tell at the end (of practice) we're not in game shape yet. But I am pleased with how we're pushing (forward). The older players understand the importance of pushing through practice."
Reed has enjoyed watching the passionate competition between the offensive and defensive lines.
"The thing I'm really impressed with is the overall battles up front are faster. Also, our offensive line is a year older," he said. "The work up there is really intense, and that's good."
In terms of offense, two individuals who excelled during Wednesday's practice are running backs, Gemetre Miller and Jonathan Hall.
"They've done a good job. They're getting better. I've been very pleased with the two of them in the first few days of pads. That was an area I was concerned about, but it looks like those two are coming to the front," Reed acknowledged. "They've had good practices. They're good with the ball. They take care of the ball and their assignments are good. We're starting to feel a little better about that."
As for today, due to El Dorado High School holding its open house, the Wildcats will have an abbreviated practice in which they'll prepare for Friday's scrimmage.
"We'll be in shorts. It's going to be a short prac- tice. We've had the shoulder pads on for three days. And even though it's been a lot of form stuff, I still want to get the pads off the day before we're scrimmaging," the coach stated. "That's because I want to see good speed while we're scrimmaging Friday morning. I can't wait to see it. I
want to see the players go at each other a little bit."
Every Wildcat will be closely evaluated both during and after the scrimmage.
"For what we've done (so far) everything is good. Friday we'll scrimmage and we will find something out while going at that speed," Reed said. "But at the level of practice we're going at, I've been pretty pleased. I see some guys who are in good shape, good condition. However, we have a ways to go with some others."
Naturally, El Dorado has room for improvement. But, the team is definitely headed in a direction conducive to them enjoying yet another stellar campaign.
"I'm not always pleased with every set, and everything that goes on in practice. But, I have been pleased with our effort. I see some good things," Reed said. "Practice is good. Our attitudes are good. We're getting in a lot of good work. There are some good things (going on)."