Hays quarterback Caleb Kimbro tries to scramble through a wall of defenders during spring practice drills. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
By JASON GORDON
Hays head coach Blake Feldt could hardly stop talking about the play of his defense when asked about how the first week of spring practice went.
He said there was no question his players on the that side of the ball, who will be guided by new defensive coordinator Greg Ellis, are much improved.
“Definitely the high point of the first week was how we looked on defense,” Feldt said. “We have so many kids that worked hard on strength and conditioning in the offseason and it showed. I think our defense has a chance to be very good this fall.”
Feldt said players that stood out were defensive end Kyle Cox, linebackers Devin Jennings and Caleb and Colin Hubert, safety Adam Castro and cornerbacks Christian and Jared Rodriguez – all players who started or saw some time at the varsity level in 2011 – stood out last week.
“Everything they are doing right now is better than last year,” Feldt said. “And we were pretty good last year.”
Caleb Kimbo, Hays’ starting quarterback, agreed with his head coach.
“Our defense is looking very strong,” Kimbro said. “They are going to be a force in the fall.”
Christian Rodriguez said the 18 practices Hays will have during spring ball will bring the team even closer.
“Everyone is gaining confidence and working well together,” he said. “We’re getting rid of all of our bad habits now so by the time fall comes around we’ll definitely be ready for the season.”
Hays is coming off a 2011 season in which they tied for the district title and captured their first playoff victory since 2006.
“I think what we’re finding out during these spring practices is that the kids that were on varsity last year retained a lot of the things we’re trying to accomplish on the field,” Feldt said. “The players that were on JV have a learning curve. But that’s what spring is for. It’s better to have that learning curve play out now than in August.”
Feldt said spring football, which Hays hadn’t participated in since early last decade, will become a regular part of the program.
“It’s just another phase we will go through every year,” Feldt said. “The offseason will lead to spring ball, and spring ball will lead to the summer workout sessions, which will lead to the regular season games in the fall. It’s just one more piece of the grindstone.”
Hays will continue its regular season workouts until its spring game May 23. On May 11 and May 18, the team will hold intrasquad scrimmages at Shelton Stadium beginning at 4:30 p.m.
