By David Field

Coach Coons addresses the team and begins discussion on the definition of dedication. Photo By David Field

The Windham Seventh and Eighth Grade Football squads reported for preseason camp on Monday. Missing were the player negotiations and reinstatement squabbles plaguing some NFL squads. What we had were kids showing up wanting to play the game and some learning about their new coach.

Head Coach Todd Coons is in his second year as head coach of the Middle School Squad. He is looking to avenge the playoff loss to Noble last year as his eighth grade squad went undefeated during the regular season. This year’s eighth grade squad is loaded with talent, size, speed and the ability to compete. All that needs to be done is the preparation.

Monday’s practice was on Field Ten. It consisted of running, drills and more running. The final drill was to run four laps around the field, alternating sprints and jogs on each side of the field. Most eighth graders were up to the task. However, the incoming seventh graders quickly learned that playing football video games doesn’t count for preseason preparation.

Coach Coons mixes his preseason camp with a mixture of physical and mental challenges. After Monday’s practice, each player was assigned written homework. The assignment was to bring a written explanation to Tuesday’s practice of the definition of “Dedication”. At the end of Tuesday’s practice, those who hadn’t done the writing were assigned a lap around the track. Random players had to tell the group what they thought dedication meant.
 

Coach Coons demonstrates squats as the beginning of One and Ones. Photo by David Field

Tuesday’s practice was around the HS Football Field. Players had to run laps, do drills and run up and down the stadium seats. The final drill consisted of “One and Ones”. One squat and one push up followed by two of each all the way up to ten. After the “Dedication” discussion, the players’ homework was to reflect on the word “Responsibility” and to be prepared to discuss its meaning at Wednesday’s practice.
 

Players demonstrate part two of One and Ones by doing push ups. Photo by David Field

This week’s practice is just in shorts and T-shirts. Next week, players will be wearing helmets and will add shoulder pads on Wednesday. The week after will be full gear workouts. Windham opens their season on Sunday, August 31 in Windham against defending league champion Scarborough.

COMMENTS:

I am very proud of the dedication these boys are showing to the sport of football in just the two short days I have been with them. The winning drive is infectious and spreading through out the team. The new players to the MS level have been challanged but are living up to it. This is an adjustment period for all of us and we soon will be operating on all cylinders.
GO WINDHAM!!!!

- Coach Coons

Good luck this year coach hope yall do well cause iz a good squad like last year

- Sean Ramnarine 34

Eighth grade players Nick Sundquist, Jordin Allen, Damien Shepherd, Calvin Field and Christian Coons share a moment in front of the camera after practice. Look for big things from the eighth grade squad this year. Photo by David Field

Seventh grade parents Rick Hill, Terri Prescott, Teona Beaulieu and Lou Golder watch the conclusion of practice. Prescott and Beaulieu are Windham Youth Football Board Members. Photo By David Field