VINEMONT – Seven consecutive losses to end the 2013 season didn't sit well with the Vinemont Eagles after they began the season 3-0.
Injuries changed the Eagles in which they were never able to recover.
Now as Allen Scott enters his fourth season leading Vinemont, the Eagles look to the changes from their schedule, the region they are in and the addition of a former standout player to their coaching staff.
Scott and his Eagles will go into their game plan mode on Thursday for the Good Hope Raiders. It's a jamboree game Aug. 21 at Mark Smothers Field with Scott wanting to use the game as a chance to get many people on the field for a game time experience.
"The public will be interested in the game with Good Hope on the scoreboard," Scott said. "The coaches are interested in the number of reps each player gets, especially the younger guys."
Vinemont has 10 starters back for the new season. Five return on offense and defense. The Eagles have Garrett Boland back at quarterback for his second consecutive year. He is a sophomore and will create problems for opposing defenses because he is left handed.
His key weapon behind him will be John Michael Dye. Dye showed his running skills in the spring game in which Falkville couldn't contain him. Vinemont excelled in running the ball which is a strength for the Eagles.
Scott reports they will run the Wing-T formation and utilize it in their spread formation plan.
Experience on the offensive line is a plus Scott said with the Eagles eager to start well, knowing the opposition will be challenging.
Vinemont will begin the season Aug. 29 at A.G. Hicks Stadium against the Addison Bulldogs. They are playing one another for the first time since 1999.
A week later, the Eagles and Danville Hawks tangle at Mark Smothers Field. Vinemont will play in Region 5 of 3A this season with the opener on Sept. 12 against Hanceville at home.
A trip to Winfield Sept. 19 will be followed by a journey to Cold Springs on the 26th. This is the first meeting between the Eagles since 2001. Vinemont owns the series by a margin of 16-4.
To begin the month of October, Scott and the Eagles host the Oakman Wildcats. On October 10, the Eagles resume their rivalry with the Holly Pond Broncos. This clash will be at Thomas-Michelfelder Field.
Oct. 17, Vinemont entertains Susan Moore. The regional schedule ends on Oct. 24 at Double Springs against Winston County.
Vinemont has Fairview back on the schedule. The two will play on Halloween at Vinemont.
Scott is pleased to have four county schools on the schedule with Good Hope being the fifth team the Eagles play, but this one doesn't count in the regular standings.
Former Cullman and Samford offensive lineman Charlie Sanford has joined the Vinemont coaching staff. His experience as a collegiate player will serve as a purpose, especially with the players who line up on the line of scrimmage.
The Addison game, Scott said, will be a challenge with the No. 7 ranked Bulldogs in the 2A preseason poll, providing a big, strong and physical team Vinemont must deal with.
Scott analyzed Addison in the spring when the Bulldogs came to Oliver Woodard Stadium and knocked off the Cullman Bearcats 6-3.
