Stability at quarterback a key for Huntingdon

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team moved into its second week of preseason practice with a two-a-day session on Monday.

The Hawks took Sunday off after scrimmaging on Saturday.

Head coach Mike Turk said his team is at the point in the preseason where mental toughness is the key.

"We're at a point right now where something is hurting on every player and everyone's legs are tired," Turk said. "We've been at it for a while now, knocking around against each other, so this is where your mental toughness and maturity is challenged.

"We're really challenging the older guys to take charge and set the tone. There are going to be times like today, when things aren't quite right and we don't feel just perfect, but we still have to be able to get ready, go to work and get something done instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for ourselves."

With less than two weeks until the season opener, the Hawks have stability at quarterback. Junior Luke Bailey returns as the starter and four other returning players provide depth.

"I'm pretty pleased with the way Luke is preparing and progressing," Turk said. "He started eight games for us last season and played really well. He has a lot of snaps under his belt and with that experience, he operates like a guy who has been there and done that. There are a lot of things we're working on and he's trying to improve on, but he is our most experienced guy and he is the one we're looking to."

After being thrust into the starting role last season when senior starter Taylor Hughes went down with an injury in the second game, Bailey guided the Hawks to seven wins.

Bailey completed 136-of-220 passes for 2,167 yards and a school-record 23 touchdowns last season. A dual-threat quarterback, he was the team's third leading rusher with 458 yards and three touchdowns on 89 carries.

Behind Bailey, juniors Andrew Neswiacheny and Brett Montgomery are battling for the backup position. Turk said junior Buck Robinson and sophomore Chip Taylor have also looked good in the preseason.

"What makes it tough is there just aren't enough reps to go around in practice," Turk said. "The starting quarterback needs to get the majority of the snaps, but you also have to make sure there is a guy behind him who can be ready to step in.

"Brett and Andrew are battling for that second position and right now, it's too close to call. Buck and Chip are also working hard and making the most of the chances they are getting. Those five guys are the ones who are returning, understand our offense and know what we're trying to do. The younger ones are making progress, but they're still learning what to do."

The Hawks will practice once on Tuesday, with a morning practice at 9 a.m.