up technique during spring

By STEVEN G. WATSON

Sports Editor

Spring is always a time of renewal, but for the Goshen Eagle football team it’s a time to hone skills they hope will carry them deep into the winter months.

Step out onto the GHS practice field and you’ll notice one thing right away, there is no lack of action. Head coach Joe Thornton likes to keep his guys busy.

"We try to work more technique and a lot of individual drills," Thornton said. "I was fortunate enough to work with a guy named George Pugh who was with Jackie Sherrill (head coach at Mississippi State) for about 13 years and worked with him as the offensive coordinator. He was what they call the old ant farmer. When he looked at a bunch of ants they are all doing something. It might be small groups but they are all doing something.

"We try to do that," he continued. "Everyone is always moving and it carries over. You never learn anything from lining up and just running sprints, but when you line up and do these drills and sprint from drill to drill then you’re getting in shape and you’re learning something."

It’s very obvious from close observation that there aren’t very many other places the Eagles would enjoy being than out in the sun working on their game.

"The kids have really bought on to it," Thornton said. "I tell them that two things are going to win games, intensity and discipline. The most talented teams won’t always win, but the most intense and disciplined will have a chance every single time they take the field."

After the two-and-a-half hour practice Wednesday, the team crowded around the coach and laughed as they picked who made the hardest hit of the day.

It was obvious that the team had accomplished its goal on that given day and player and coach alike were happy with the effort they gave.

As far as Thorntons’ transition from Daleville where he was offensive coordinator to Goshen, it seems to be complete. He’s happy where he is and it shows in the way he coaches and the way he treats his players on and off the field. That’s an important factor in success the coach says.

"I’ve had good groups of kids and I’ve had bad, but this group of guys I really love to be around," Thornton said. "They’re good kids and enjoy being around each other and that’s a big part of it. It’s a big part of the chemistry of having at team is how much you enjoy being together."

The Goshen Eagles will conclude their spring practice sessions next week. They will put on a "Purple and Gold" scrimmage where the team will be split up and face off against each other. Seniors from last year’s team will also be participating to help round out the teams. The game is set for 7 p.m. at GHS.