LEADERS EMERGING AND ENTHUSIASM IMPROVING FOR HAWKS AFTER FOUR PRACTICES

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team held its first afternoon practice of the preseason on Sunday.

The change in routine didn't disrupt the momentum the Hawks gained on Saturday. Huntingdon's fourth practice continued the upward trend head coach Mike Turk is looking for.

"We're getting better at fighting through the heat," Turk said. "We're making sure we're hydrated and taking precautions, but we're trying to maintain a high level of intensity while we're working. We've gone about it that way the past two days and it has worked well.

"The effort and the enthusiasm were good today. I think we got better. We've got four days in the books and they haven't been wasted days. We're headed in the direction we need to go."

Turk said leadership in practice has been crucial. He's been pleased with the way a number of players have stepped up to the challenge of keeping the team motivated.

"We've got several guys stepping up, keeping the intensity up and keeping the enthusiasm up," Turk said. "That makes it more fun. It's hard to have fun this time of year, but with the right attitude you can do anything and make it fun."

Turk singled out defensive players Kirk Johnson and D.J. Chappell and offensive players Trevor Manuel and Willie McDowell for their leadership.

"I'd say Kirk and D.J. have done a good job of that, Trevor has been really solid and guys like Willie have been vocal, tried to help the young guys and tried keep everyone energized," Turk said. "That's hard to do this time of year. It's a grind right now, but the right attitude can make it so much better."

The Hawks return to the field at 9 a.m. on Monday for the first practice in full gear.

"Honestly, it won't change a whole lot from what we've been doing," Turk said. "Obviously, there will be a little more tackling involved. We've been doing form tackling but this will be our first opportunity to tackle at full speed. We'll see where we are when it comes to getting someone to the ground."