Holly High wraps up spring practice • Young players developing well


Thursday, May 24, 2012
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Holly High wraps up spring practice
• Young players developing well

By BARRY BURLESON
Editor

Photo by Glennie Pou of The Panolian

Ben Norman of the Hawks tries to escape the grasp of a North Panola player.

For the Holly Springs Hawks, spring football was all about evaluating the young players.

Coach Marcus Autry returns five offensive starters and six on defense from last season. But he’s particularly looking for players to fill spots at wide receiver and in the secondary.

He took his Hawks to North Panola last Thursday where they faced the host squad and Madison Ridgeland Academy.

“We had some young guys stepping up and being aggressive,” Autry said.

“We already knew what the older kids could do. But some of the ninth graders (stepping up to sophomores) have to move into a starting role.”

He said the Hawks ran only the base stuff in the spring jamboree but did a good job of making adjustments and moving the ball.

Next year’s sophomore class will be big in numbers and crucial to the future success of the Hawks.

“They’re doing well in the weight room and getting stronger, and that’s the key to turning things around,” he said.

Next season will be Autry’s third at the helm of the Holly High football program. His Hawks progressed from one win in 2010 to four wins in 2011. Last year’s squad was in the playoff hunt until the final game of the regular season.

“The future looks good,” he said.

Photos by Glennie Pou of The Panolian

Holly High’s William Payne and Alvin Lay help provide some running room for Ben Norman Thursday night at North Panola.

He said this summer players will continue their work in the weight room and also participate in some seven-on-seven competition.

The season will kick off in August with the opponents the same as last year, only switching home and away dates. Holly High’s first game will be on the road at Coldwater.

Autry said there are no changes on his coaching staff.

Josh Lowe (left) of Holly Springs closes in on a North Panola ball-carrier.

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