Savage Heat gear up for season

HOT SPRINGS – The sounds of whistles filled the air as cleats churned up turf during the final two-a-days session for the Hot Springs Savage Heat football team.

In a sure sign football season is right around the corner the Savage Heat concluded the first phase of their preseason practice schedule on Tuesday evening on Aug. 19.

Following the end of the evening session, Hot Springs Head Coach Jim Lawson was excited with what he saw during two-a-days.

Lawson said he was looking forward to seeing what the team could do as they transition to a one a day practice schedule.

“Two-a-days have gone really well. The kids have been working really hard and having fun,” Lawson said.

The coach said though he looked for the team to be competitive the Savage Heat were not looking to far ahead.

“We are looking to take it one step at a time,” Lawson said.

Tuesday’s evening practice began with an emphasis on defensive playmaking.

Following stretching and warm ups the Hot Springs team went to work running a number of angle tackling and sideline tackling drills emphasizing the importance of open field stops to the team’s defensive strategy.

The coaches looked for intensity and urged their players to show an edge and treat practice just as if it were a game as the defensive linemen and linebacker corps alternated between the two drills.  

According to Coach Lawson, Hot Springs has five starters returning from last year’s roster.

These players include Tanner Hoff, Nate Grey, Lane Foster, Anthony Byrns and Mathian Alt.

Additionally, Lawson said three freshman players will be joining the Savage Heat for this year’s campaign.

The evening practice on Tuesday featured an exciting round of Oklahoma drills, which simulate goal line situations for the players.

Developed by Bud Wilkinson, coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in the 1950s, the drill involves four players, two on offense and two on defense.

The drill starts about five yards out from the goal line and the objective for the offensive players is to get into the end zone, while the defensive duo attempts to keep them out.

Following a lot of hitting, nice tackles, sound blocking and some fancy footwork on the part of the ball carriers the drill came to a close.

“I love practices with a spirited Oklahoma drill,” Lawson said.

The team’s practice wound down with a little conditioning as the assembled football players ran wind sprints before the players removed their helmets and huddled together to hear some words from their coaching staff.

Following the conclusion of the practice the head coach urged his players to keep up their intensity as the regular season draws closer.

“Two-a-days are over. You guys did a good job. But don’t lose your intensity,” Lawson said.

Before dismissing his players Lawson reiterated the importance of preseason practices.

The coach explained the early year practices provide each player an opportunity to grow as athletes.

“Make yourself a better player every time you come up here,” Lawson said.

The Savage Heat will kick off their regular season with a home opener against the Tri-City Titans at 1 p.m. on Sept. 6.

Lawson is hoping to see his team compete throughout the season.

“We want to win our conference. We are looking to make another run at the state title,” Lawson said.”

The team looked sharp in practice and looks ready for kickoff.