NTL FOOTBALL: ATHENS OPENS 2019 PRESEASON WITH 'SOLID' NUMBERS (2019-08-12)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportATHENS "” Athens was the first Valley team to hit the practice fields for the 2019 season this morning, and longtime coach Jack Young couldn't have been happier about it.
"I love getting back on the field," said Young. "The sun is shining, today it's suppose to be 84, and the rest of the week not even in the 80s - it's starting to feel like football season. It's awesome."
Young said his numbers are "solid,' but not where he wants them to be.
"Right now, our roster is at 42, but we're hoping we'll gain a few more.
"We still have small junior and senior classes, but our freshman and sophomore classes are quality size," said Young. "Hopefully, over the next week or so, we'll gain a few more guys.
"I'd like to see 52 out here," he noted. "We have a lot of great kids walking the halls here who think they need to specialize in one sport, and that's tough. They're missing out on great opportunities.
"What I'm really happy with is the 42 who are here," added Young. "They are working hard, and getting after it."
Young notes his young roster doesn't effect his preseason plans, but could make a difference early in the regular season.
"It doesn't really effect our preseason," he said. "Our bottom line is we're preparing for Week 1 at Hanover.
"What it may effect is the type of game plan we come up with for Week 1," noted Young.
Athens opens the 2019 campaign at Hanover Area on Aug. 23.
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PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
