Huntingdon football begins preseason practice

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – It's a later start than most years, but the Huntingdon football team took the field for its first preseason practice on Monday.

With the Division III season starting a week later than Division I and the Hawks having a bye on Sept. 7, Huntingdon's first day of practice was 10 days later than last season. Huntingdon's first game will be on Sept. 14 at Mississippi College.

"We're just thankful to be out here," Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk said. "We've been sitting around watching everyone on television practicing and reading about them in the paper, but we just had to wait. It's been a long wait and we're glad to have the opportunity to get out there and practice."

More than 130 players worked out in helmets and shorts as the Hawks practiced for more than two hours on Monday. With just four starters back on offense and six starters back on defense, Turk said the Hawks have a lot of work to do.

One area Turk is counting on for leadership and experience is the offensive line. Huntingdon returns three of its five starters in senior center Will Dake, senior right guard Joey Peacock and sophomore right tackle Chael Pridgen. Two other projected starters (Taylor Long at left guard and Chance Williams at right tackle) both have game experience.

"The offensive line is really the most experienced position we have coming back," Turk said. "We have three starters returning and two penciled in on the left side that have played before. This is a year where we have some experience at running back and we're very young at receiver, tight end and quarterback. If I had to pick a place for us to be the most solid, it would be up front. That's where it all starts.

"A big part of what we do in the running game is based on those guys up front. Having those guys back as older and more experienced leaders, that's a blessing. We're going to have to lean on their experience and leadership."

The Hawks will practice in shorts and helmets again on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Practice is open to the public.