By By Matthew Nascone
Practicing against team members can be a good gauge for how a team will play when it comes time for the season, but there is something missing from not playing another team.
"These guys are tired of banging on each other," Escambia Academy head football coach Heath Gibson said. "They want to get out there and hit another team. They are excited to get the season underway."
But before the season begins for the Cougars they will travel to Monroeville for a scrimmage game with Monroe Academy. Gibson said he would approach the game as if it were a regular season game.
"We will basically see how we developed we are in some areas," Gibson said. "I think we are in good shape for the game and we are going to get a lot of kids a lot of playing time in the game."
Some of EA's starters will be in a different role this season as Gibson has switched from a 4-3 defense to a 3-5 defense to emphasize the team's depth at the linebacker position. Gibson said the coaches would be able to find out how that switch affects the team's play.
"We are trying to do some different things and with the new defense we will try to create a lot of confusion and disruption for their offense," he said.
But the key to the game is very simple.
"Basically we need to have everybody show up and play a good game and we are excited to get the season started," Gibson said.
The game will start at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Cougars then open the regular season the following Friday at home.