Escambia County Middle School opens up its football season in less than two weeks, and members of the coaching staff are excited for it to get under way.

First-year assistant coaches Andrew Richey and Glenn Weber agree that this year’s batch of youngsters have what it takes to be successful on the field. Both coaches commented on the team’s speed.

“We’ve got some guys with speed and we’re going to exploit that,” said Richey, the ECMS offensive coordinator. “Defense is pretty easy. You line up where you’re supposed to, and you go after the football. We’re going to be pretty solid.”

Weber, the offensive line and special teams coach, said coaches were surprised at the size of some of the linemen.

“We’ve got some height and some girth,” Weber said. “It’ll be fun. We are very much looking forward to it.”

“The line is going to open up some holes,” he added. “We should be able to score some points.”

Richey and Weber are new additions to a staff run by head coach Barry Larkin. Attempts to reach Larkin this week were unsuccessful.

Richey said opponents shouldn’t underestimate the Eagles’ athleticism.

“I don’t know what these other teams have, but it will be tough to beat us talent-wise,” he said.

ECMS plays five games this year, starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Chickasaw. That game is followed by a trip to Walnut Hill to face Ernest Ward Middle School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.

ECMS will host Saraland the next week at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Ernest Ward will visit Atmore at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. ECMS closes out the season at 5:30 p.m. in Atmore against UMS-Wright.

ECMS football schedule
Aug. 29             Chickasaw                    5 p.m.
Sept. 5               Ernest Ward                  6 p.m.
Sept. 12             Saraland                      5:30 p.m.
Sept. 17             Ernest Ward                 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 10              UMS-Wright                5:30 p.m.