Second-year Blue Devils coach Lev Holley was encouraged Monday as players took the field for the first time in pads.

“It went well,” he said of the initial training session. “There was a lot more teaching going on than normal.”

Holley said he’s been impressed so far and has seen “a lot of good talent” on the field.

“We took a step in the right direction,” he said.

Holley and the Blue Devils are looking to bounce back from a 3-7 campaign that saw them lose 20-0 to rival Baldwin County High School in the last game of the season.

While Holley said there’s strength and skill at every position, he feels especially confident about the quarterback and defensive line this year.

The Blue Devils will be buoyed in the upcoming season by returning senior quarterback Chris Johnson. The defensive line will have three returning starters including one senior.

Holley said the key to a successful season will be consistency as well as building up the players and preparing them for life outside the stadium.

“We want to be champions in everyday life,” he said.

The Devils will participate in a spring game Thursday, May 16 at 6 p.m. in Jackson. They will face Jackson and Vigor.