Players shine in first full-pad workout
Friday, Aug. 10 - For Faulkner head coach Jim Nichols and his football team, Friday’s practice proved to be extremely challenging. Not only was it the hottest day of the year, it was the Eagles first day in full pads. And Nichols was pleased with what he saw.
"I actually thought we had a pretty good practice, considering the heat,’’ Nichols said. "We’re still learning a lot installation wise, but the guys who have been here are really helping our young ones out, and that’s a good thing. A lot of these guys came from really strong high school programs and had coaches who taught them well, so there already ahead of the curve.’’
Nichols said linebacker Sean Thom, a junior from Fort Walton Beach, Fla., stood out at Friday’s practice, as did a trio of quarterbacks – freshmen Frank Chinoski and Justin Wright, and sophomore Chad Kilgore.
"All three had good days,’’ he said. "They looked comfortable, and that’s an important thing for a quarterback, especially this early. We also looked at our kickers today, and we’ll make a decision soon in that area.’’
Faulkner will begin two-a-days Saturday, with the first two-hour practice set to begin at 6:30 a.m. Another one-hour workout will begin at 10:45 a.m. Faulkner’s first controlled scrimmage will take place toward the end of next week, according to Nichols. All of Faulkner’s practices are currently at Goodwyn Junior High School and are open to the public.
The Eagles begin their season at Pikeville College (Ky.) on Sept. 1. Faulkner’s first home game is Sept. 15 at Cramton Bowl against Webber College.