Kosciusko wrapped up its full first week of practice Friday with a strong week-ending effort that drew praise from head coach Kelly Causey.
The Whippets battled stifling humidity during the latter part of the week but were rewarded with precipitation on Friday that cooled things down a bit.
“I thought it went well,” Causey said. “Thursday, the heat was way up and it was a struggle, but the kids fought through and we ended Friday with a great practice. We had a good two-and-a-half-hour practice, so I was excited about that.”
Practice opened on Monday, and after brushes with the expected rust that accompanies the offseason, Causey said his players picked up the momentum and progressed as the week wore on.
“I think we’ve made strides in the right direction (last) week and improved on some of the things we were struggling with earlier,” Causey said. “I think it was a productive week.”
The Whippets’ defensive line and linebacking units turned in impressive efforts last week. Causey has listed both position groups as being strengths, and according to his observations, they have not disappointed.
“Our D-Line and linebackers improved dramatically through the course of the week and looked good there, especially Friday,” he said.
Sophomore quarterback Ethan Wood appeared poised and confident running Kosciusko’s new spread offense. Wood logged the majority of snaps last season and drew praise from Causey for his work and development over the summer.
“Throwing the ball, Ethan’s improved a good bit over the course of the week,” Causey said. “The interior defensive side of the ball, and Ethan and the receiving corps improved.”
McAdams High School transfer, wide receiver Kris Brown, has fit nicely into his role in the Whippets’ receiving corps.
“He’s adapted well, and he’s doing extremely good,” Causey said.
Kosciusko was set to don full pads on Monday ahead of an inter-squad practice/scrimmage on Friday. The Whippets were scheduled to play Cleveland Central High School at Delta State University for a jamboree this week. However, a late coaching change at Cleveland Central several weeks ago caused the school to cancel the jamboree, forcing Causey to conduct an inter-squad practice/scrimmage in its place.
“In the past, I’ve not wanted to do one just because I think it’s too early to put the kids out there, because we would have only been in pads three or four days,” Causey said. “But everybody does it, so you almost feel like you have to do it. We’ll see how it works out. The way it happened so late kind of forced us to do it.”
Kosciusko opens the season at home on Aug. 22 against Yazoo County.
