OHS Panthers in two-a-day training

Two-a-day summer football training is well under way for the Oakwood Panthers. Athletic Director Mike Heckathorn says they are excited about this upcoming year. "I think we've got a good team this year. We've got fifteen kids so far. We've got a few waiting on physicals and we know we'll have a few more sign up when school starts. So, we've got plenty to play six man and we've got plenty to sub. We're getting three transfer students. One's coming from Groesbeck, one from Fairfield, and one from Teague. They've all played before. We've got five seniors returning. We've got Eric Ballard, Randall Dunn, J.P. Hicks, Kealyne Durham, and Joel Murray. We're looking real good right now."

Coach Tommy Tritz insists that none of the positions are set yet. According to Tritz, the plan is for Senior Eric Ballard to return as starting quarterback. Tritz also stated, "The first scrimmage isn't for a couple of weeks, so, we won't set anything until after that. You never know how these boys will do. You may have some surprise you, and then, you may have some miss a practice or two. If that happens, their position will slide down a little bit. We'll just have to wait and see.".

Senior Randall Dunn commented on what it's like working out in the Texas sun and gave his thoughts on the Panthers' progress. "It's been extremely hot. The heat's been kind of getting to us but we're getting back in the groove. Everyone's picking it up real fast [six man football] -- especially everyone who was here last year. I think we're gonna have a good season. Everyone has showed up ready to hit. We're looking forward to the district title and then the playoffs. That's our goal: getting that district title and getting to the playoffs."