The Ariton Purple Cats have started their second week of football practice. With an early game on their schedule, there is no time to waste for head coach Steven Kilcrease and the Purple Cats.

Like everybody else, they have had to deal with the soaring temperatures that normally come with preseason practices.

“We had a really good week,” Kilcrease said. “Like everyone else we have dealt with the heat. We are a little banged up at some positions, but on Thursday we will have the last one cleared. We have a lot of young guys that we think can help us.”

It’s a busy time of year for every student athlete with school now under way. Despite the busy schedule, after starting school on Thursday, Kilcrease believes his team has had their best days of practice.

“Most of them have done it long enough to where they’re used to it and it all falls into place,” Kilcrease said. “We had a routine and there was no change. It’s been a smooth transition. They started school on Thursday and I thought Thursday and Friday were our two best days. They are getting into the routine.”

Fundamentals have been at the center of Ariton’s practices so far in camp.

“We are back to the basics on both sides of the football,” Kilcrease said. “Of course we are able to introduce all of our special teams. It’s been offensive and defensive install.”

The Purple Cats will have approximately 47 players on the field in the fall. They will have numerous younger players that not only will play this fall but start.

“We still have good numbers,” Kilcrease said. “I think it’s the youngest team that we have had since I have been here, but it’s probably the deepest. There are a lot of young guys that are good enough to get out there. We know there will be growing pains, but we have some young guys that will start for us and that’s because they deserve it.”

The Purple Cats will start their season early with a regular showdown on the road against Dale County on August 23.

“We jump right into it,” Kilcrease said. “There are some negatives to that, but I like it.”