Ready to take the field

Suzie Harrison

Doing jumping jacks, stretching and running laps under the overcast

skies at 9 a.m. isn’t how a lot of teenagers would like to start

their day -- and that’s just a small slice of practice for the

freshman/sophomore football team.

There were plenty of play drills to follow Wednesday, as they

prepared for their upcoming pre-season game in two weeks for Laguna

Beach High School.

Head coach Steven Smith, with the help of assistant coaches Keith

Henderson and James Bentley, are gearing the players up for the

season. Currently they have 23 players but are looking for more,

preferably 35.

Lined up on the bleachers before hitting the practice field, the

coaches went over things with the players -- such as the importance

of showing that they are committed, to do the best they can, to pay

attention and be willing to learn.

“When the good ones are up, pay attention,” Smith said. “I’m a

stickler -- with pass patterns, do it the way it’s supposed to be

done. When I say three-step, do three-step and when I say five-step,

do five-step. Study!”

Henderson said that they were focusing on special teams and that

it is blatant when they make mistakes.

“We’ll be working on special teams, kicking and receiving,”

Henderson said. “We have a game in two weeks, we’ve got to get them

ready and fast.”

Cooper Henderson, who is a sophomore on the team this year, as

well as Max Hilburn, Trevor Pierce and Marshall Thomas have been

picked by the coaches as interim captains, until the team can vote,

because of their hard work and dedication thus far.

“This is my first year, I’m trying for running back and corner,”

Max said. “I think I was chosen for interim captain because I show up

every day, I’m dedicated and try my best in practices.”

Cooper said that last year he played on the team as a free safety

and wide receiver -- and this year he wants to play safety,

linebacker and running back.

“All are welcome, we’ll keep them as long as they’ll stay,”

Henderson said. “I coached freshman last year as well. We played

teams with 65 kids on them and they would roll them in in waves.”

On the Laguna Beach team, they play both offense and defense.

“We call it iron man football,” Henderson said. “Each one really

learns how to play and get physical.”

He said that they are always looking for more sophomores and

freshmen.

“I’ve played on teams before, I’m going for quarterback,” Austen

Bakkum, 14, said. “That’s what I was playing in summer camp. People

told me to play because I have a good arm.”

Sean Lavery, 14, has his eye on being center.

“Because I’m going to be really good at it,” Sean said. “I have

been practicing it a lot.”

Working on the kick-off and the line, the players got into

formation. The coaches talked to them about defense, offense and

stance, when to go and what should happen.

Practicing again and again Ryan Pigden, 14, said he likes the

game.

“I’m looking forward to it, I’ve never played but have always

wanted to try it. My one uncle plays and so does my other uncle,”

Ryan said. “I’ve been playing soccer and baseball all my life and

wanted to try something new. Hopefully we’ll do good on the field

Sept. 4.”