Defensive back Connor Baird, seen here intercepting a pass during a victory last season over Clemens, and the rest of his varsity teammates started spring practice on Monday. Hays will begin spring practices on April 30. (Photo by Bruce Ruckel, www.chaparralphoto.com)
By JASON GORDON
The Lehman High football team began spring practice Monday, and Hays will follow suit beginning on April 30.
It’s the first time in history Lehman has participated in spring football. Hays hasn’t participated in spring football in more than a decade. It means both schools will have to start summer practices a week later in August.
Lehman will practice after school Monday through Thursday until May 17, and then have their spring game on the evening of May 22 at Lobo Field.
Hays will practice Monday through Friday and will hold its spring game May 23 at Shelton Stadium.
Both teams are allowed up to 18 full-pad practices.
“For me, this is a chance to have our players learn the kind of speed and tempo I expect out of our practices and workouts,” said Lehman head coach Todd Raymond, who was hired in February to replace Steve Davis. “They are a lot faster than they were before but the kids are getting the hang of things pretty quickly. I expect us to be going full speed all the time. I don’t think you can ask them to play at a fast level if you don’t practice that way.”
Raymond also said the spring practices will give his players a chance to learn his offensive system, which is a spread-option offense where both the pass and the run can be equally effective.
“Hopefully by the end of May we’ll have a depth chart set,” Raymond said. “It will be a big advantage to have that done we as head into practice in August.”
Lehman will lose Matt Anguiano, its three-year starter at quarterback, and leading rusher Levi Medley to graduation, but the Lobos will have several key returners.
Center Cruz Banda and offensive linemen Kenny Higgins and Bobby Limon are returning starters on the offensive line, and Brandon Hamilton is a key returner at wide receiver.
Defensive backs Tyler Hyss, Connor Baird and Kyron Morrisette will all be returning starters for the Lobos, as will defensive lineman Chris Hernandez.
“We will have a good mix of returning starters and guys we’ll try to plug into certain positions,” Raymond said. “We’ll be young because the senior class next year isn’t big from a numbers standpoint, but I think we’ll be fine.”
Paul Brown, who will be a junior next season, is set to take over for Medley at tailback on offense.
“For Coach Raymond to show up and give us the opportunity to play spring ball is magnificent,” Brown said. “Everyone on the team thinks we’ll be more prepared than ever. We’re really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish with this new style of football we’ll be playing.”
Hays will practice in full pads Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday starting next week until the spring game takes place on May 23.
“It’s a great opportunity for us because all you’re really giving up is a week in August,” Hays head coach Blake Feldt said. “I’m excited. It gives us a chance to get better fundamentally without the pressure of getting ready to play a game. We have a lot of work to do, but I love spring practice.”
Feldt will have the luxury of several key skill position players returning, like quarterback Caleb Kimbro, who threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for more than 900 yards and 10 more scores. Receiver Granger Studdard, who set a school record with 41 receptions for the district champion and area-finalist Rebels in 2011, and slot back Taven Mayberry, who was slowed by injuries early in the year but came on strong late, will also return.
“Everyone is excited to get back in a football mode and prepare for a great summer and fall,” Kimbro said. “This will give us a good opportunity to be crisp and know exactly what we need to do on our own during 7-on-7 this summer. It will also give us a great chance to see who’s ready to fill in for our graduating seniors.”
In addition, Hays will return starters Reed Darragh and William Trevillion on the offensive line, as well as defensive end Kyle Cox and cornerbacks Christian Rodriguez and Jared Rodriguez.
Feldt said Hays has already made huge strides in the weight room heading into spring practice.
“I told the guys last year after we lost to Cedar Park, to beat a team like that and to win state championships you have to be big and bad and have the strength to do it,” Feldt said. “It’s really been unbelievable all the hard work the kids have put in during the offseason. We had to get bigger and stronger and that’s exactly what has happened. Now, I can’t wait for spring ball to begin so we can take things a step further.”
