The Newton County Academy Generals got the football season kicked off last week with fall practices.
The Generals started practicing Monday with five afternoon sessions last week.
Veteran coach Rob Roberts said the week went well.
“I thought it went really well,” Roberts said. “Actually, we are way ahead of where we were at this point last year, so I feel really good about that. We had to cut it short a day or so because of rain. We will start in full pads this week and should know a whole lot more about them after this week.”
While Roberts is optimistic about the upcoming season, he is worried about the depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
“We have six lineman and had to move one down on the line,” Roberts said. “We have a lot of backs and have a good senior class. We have nine seniors and they are a pretty good group. We will be experienced, just short on linemen.”
The Generals will take on East Rankin in a scrimmage this week in Pelahatchie. The following week, the Generals will participation the Tri-County jamboree where they will play Carroll Academy at 3:30 p.m. and Leake Academy at 4:30 p.m. Each team will play with a 20-minute running clock.
Public schools start this week
The remaining schools in The Newton County Appeal’s coverage area will begin practice this week and play in jamborees the following week.
Newton County will host a preseason jamboree and will start with Union taking on Leake Central at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. Following that game, Choctaw Central will play Sebastopol at 6:30 p.m. and the night will end with Newton County take on Lake at 8 p.m.
