Coach Rod Elliott and his team
BREMEN – A late afternoon thunderstorm was not enough to prevent the Nicholas Johnson intersquad football game at Cold Springs High School from taking place on Tuesday.
Johnson passed away on May 18 from injuries he sustained in a car wreck on Cullman County Road 222 May 12. He died at UAB Hospital two days before he was to receive his diploma as a 2017 Cold Springs graduate.
Cold Springs football coach Rod Elliott, with support from the administration and the community, felt it appropriate to raise money for the Johnsons to show them the support of the Cold Springs family.
The event allowed Cold Springs fans to see the 2017 edition of the Eagles, a squad that will be very different for Elliott, entering his 10th season as the leader on the sideline.
Tuesday was a controlled scrimmage under damp conditions at Cranford Stricklin Stadium. Elliott was at first concerned about the wet field, after it rained in the late afternoon. He did not want his kids to risk possible leg and ankle injuries from a wet surface in their final allotted workout for the spring.
But the rain left, and sunshine returned to the area by 5:45 p.m. Ninety minutes later, the Eagles ran through a series of plays that delighted the players who had the opportunity to have fun in the mud of Stricklin Stadium.
Elliott worked two quarterbacks through a series of reps, with one to become the new starter when fall takes place. Brodie Williams started with Jordan Lacey getting his chance to take snaps in the Eagles' spread formation.
The Eagles will basically have a new backfield this fall. Kevin Brakefield will rotate with Ayden Alexander, Austin Lively and Brayden Williams, moving the ball through the middle of the line of scrimmage and around the ends.
Mason Harris stood out as the leader at wide receiver, catching several throws on slant patterns against the Eagles' zone defense.
Brian McAnnally, Jon Campbell, Garrett Dyle, Seth Edgeworth and Will Swann anchored the line of scrimmage. The Eagles are experienced up front.
Adam Hill went through a series of field goal drills, converting several from 30 to 40 yards out.
It was the best situation for the Eagles, whose planned spring jamboree game last week against Holly Pond was canceled following the news of Johnson’s passing.
Cold Springs got to complete 10 days of spring workouts, the number that is allowed by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
Now they will go through summer workouts, conditioning in the weight room, and return to the practice field on Aug. 7 to get ready for the season opener at Hanceville Aug. 25.
The home opener will be on Sept. 1 when the Berry Wildcats invade Stricklin Stadium from Fayette County.
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