Although Weiss Lake’s crappie population couldn’t be more pleased with the recent thunderstorms that recently rolled through the region, the five county high school football teams could use some relief from the soggy conditions that have plagued the first week of training camp.

The wet field conditions somewhat limited the squads’ ability to go all-out on drills, but the respective head coaches generally have been able to overcome the weather.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association allows full-contact drills to begin after three days of t-shirts and helmets.

“Except for all the rain, things are going pretty well,” said Cherokee County’s Tom Curry. “We’ve got 41 kids out here, and everyone is healthy. It’s just tough to go full speed when everyone is slipping and sliding all over the place.”

The weather conditions weren’t too much better up on Lookout Mountain.

“We had about four inches of water on the practice field, but Monday [Aug. 4] was the only day we had to come inside for practice,” said Sand Rock head coach Russell Jacoway.

“We had a hard-hitting practice on Tuesday, though, and the kids really went after one another in the mud. We did the best we could with the conditions they way they’ve been. The good thing about having a small team is that we’re little enough to dodge the raindrops!”

According to Jason Howard, the high water level in Garden country hasn’t been too much of a hindrance for his Panthers.

“We’ve been knee deep in water on the practice field, but we haven’t missed a day. The weather hasn’t been too much of a factor. We’ve got 33 kids out here, and we’re going to strap on the pads today (last Thurs-day) and really see where we’re at.”

Brian Clowdis said the damp conditions have not interfered too much during Gaylesville’s initial few sessions.

“Our non-contact drills have been great. Over the past week, I’d have to say that we’ve had the best practices in my three seasons here. These 32 kids have worked harder than any of my previous teams, and they’ve really gone after it so far.”

A few miles south on Hwy. 68, Steve Smith points out that his Cedar Bluff squad did what all creatures great and small must do when Mother Nature throws a changeup: adjust accordingly.



“[The wet weather] hasn’t really affected our schedule. Like everything else, it’s just something you’ve got to work around.”



County gridiron action kicks off on Friday, Aug. 22.



Gaylesville hosts a jamboree that will feature Cedar Bluff, Spring Garden, Jacksonville Christian and Woodland, while Sand Rock travels to Ran-burne’s jamboree on the same date.



Both jamborees are scheduled to begin at approximately 7 p.m.



Cherokee County’s Aug. 22 jamboree was not confirmed at press time