By By Chandler Myers
Escambia Academy started practice on July 31 and began working out in full equipment Aug. 7 in order to prepare for their first game.
Head coach Heath Gibson said his team has a lot of hard hitting players and some good recruits.
He added the Cougars numbers have risen from 18 to 25 over the last few weeks.
The Cougars have a lot of experience and talent on both sides of the ball, but several young players are expected to step up and fill out any holes.
Gibson said the strongest areas are the offensive line and backfield.
He added that new players that have arrived are allowing EA to do things they have not done before.
Gibson added that Cody Ware will be playing at fullback and will be a force in the backfield at 220 pounds.
On defense an area of concern is the secondary, but coach Kevin Dunn said he thinks the young players will gain experience quickly.
He added the defensive backs are already showing they can be scrappy.
The Cougars first game is against Sparta Academy on Aug. 22 at EA.