WESSON – The daily grind of preseason football practice at Copiah-Lincoln Community College changed today with the start of fall classes. The Wolfpack will practice in the afternoon at 3:30, today and Friday. A scrimmage is scheduled Saturday morning.

     Co-Lin head coach Glenn Davis said his team was progressing, despite the severe heat and humidity. “We have had some good days and we had some days when we felt sorry for ourselves because of the heat. The effort has been good for the most part.”

     An overcast sky and a strong breeze caressed the practice field Wednesday, bringing relief to the players and the coaches. Davis said his team still had plenty of work to do before the Aug. 30 season opener at Northeast Community College in Booneville.

      “We made way too many mistakes on offense yesterday,” said Davis. “Their legs and arms are tired. That all relates to a tired mind.”

     Sophomore quarterback Chandler Rogers is directing the offense. Sophomore wideout Darren Anderson of Bastrop, La., and walkon Chuck Lacey of Wayne County also are taking snaps in practice.

     Anderson quarterbacked Co-Lin to a season-ending victory over Northeast as the Wolves finished 5-4. Rogers missed the game due to a concussion suffered the previous week against East Central.

     Stone Underwood of Brookhaven, a sophomore transfer from Southeastern Louisiana University,  is working at center. New offensive line coach Robert McFarland is learning the system. McFarland replaced Drew O’Daniel who departed last month for a similar position at Houston Baptist. 

     Sophomore  offensive tackle Demechery Hickingbottom of Meadville anchors an experienced group of returning linemen.

     “We are getting a few back who were dehydrated,” said Davis.

     Sophomore wide receiver Trent Powell of Brookhaven is on the mend. He underwent ankle surgery to repair a tendon earlier this summer.

     “I like our team,” said Davis. “The effort has been good. We have more depth on the offensive line and on the defensive line.

     “We played good defense last year and won some games,” he continued. “We have more speed at receiver.”

     Davis said he planned to conduct a shorter practice Friday. “We want to get them rested up for Saturday morning. Co-Lin will scrimmage at 8:30 or 9 a.m.

     Several Brookhaven freshmen are in the mix. Offensive tackle  Cody Winters is making progress. Running back Greg Sims is healthy again after missing practice due to back spasms.

     Wide receiver Christian “Bubba”  Keene missed practice yesterday because of back problems. Wide receiver Ross Hill has been consistent catching the ball.

     Freshman offensive lineman Steven Hudson has missed eight practices due to the removal of wisdom teeth.

     Davis said the incoming freshmen are talented but they have to adjust to a higher level of athletic competition. “They have a chance to help us. They must become tougher mentally and physically. It’s a lot different than high school.”