Smackover worked on both offense and defense in their practice on Thursday.
The Bucks, who are scheduled to scrimmage against Parkers Chapel next Friday, focused on the basics defensively.
“We really went back to basics and stressed fundamentals,” Smackover coach David Osborn said. “We spent a lot of time looking at run fits and how to handle different blocks and situations. We slowed things down for the kids and helped with the understanding of situations.”
On offense, the Bucks’ focus was on their running game.
“We spent a lot of time in inside run breaking down each play and looking at areas to improve on,” Osborn said.
Overall, Osborn said the Bucks have had a productive week of practice.
“So far, the week has gone pretty well,” Osborn said. “We have really been working hard on bringing the program to where we want it. It’s been a big area of focus for us to bring it all together 7-12. The goal is to create a program and we have really been focusing on our feeder programs.
“Our kids have been moving around well, they seem to be pretty excited about the season. I think the biggest thing for our kids is they are just wanting the official word that things are moving forward. You listen to the news and hear the stories and there is always a little doubt of if we will get to play.
“As a whole, we have been happy with how things have been going. Like always, we were a little sore after that first day of contact, but the kids have fought through it and come ready to work.”
Osborn said the Bucks began the week with a physical practice focused strictly on defense.
“Our Monday was pretty physical,” Osborn said. “It started kind of slow being first day in pads without spring football. We didn’t run a single play of offense all day. We spent time on form tackling and went over the basics.
“It’s one of those days where we didn’t need a line on the field. All we needed was a football and a patch of grass. We spent the day with one-on-one, two-on-two, two-on-one and some old school Oklahoma drills.”
Osborn singled out a few players for their work this week, but stressed that the team has enjoyed a solid week.
“It’s been a good week and honestly it’s the same guys who come to work every day,” Osborn said. “We have a good core who bring it to practice every day. Our seniors like Austin Goodwin, Breylon Love and Sam Gathright have been leaders for us.
“One group I’m also proud of this week is our younger group. The junior high guys don’t always get a lot of credit, but we also really like how they have been working hard. There are several athletes who have a chance to be really special if they continue to work and grow with our program.”