As football gears up all across the state, the next generation of DeKalb County football players and cheerleaders are starting, too. The DeKalb County Jr. Pro football program started practice last Thursday, with a big turnout.
Despite the heat, practice carried on as scheduled. “The numbers this year are really good so far,” said league president and 10-11 year-old head coach, Darrell Gill. “We haven't had this many in a few years,” Gill added.
There are three different age groups that play, in this league that plays this contact sport. Gill stated, “I want everyone to know that this year, we are going to have 4-5 year-old flag football. This is not a contact sport. We will be teaching the players the basic fundamentals. For example: how to line up and what the positions are; things like that.”
By the looks of it, things were running very smoothly, with nearly 80 kids scattered throughout the practice field. All of the players had plenty of attention on them as the practiced.
“We have a great bunch of coaches out here. It takes everyone, past and present to make this program as successful as it is. I just want to thank everyone,” Gill continued.
If you would like to play football or be a cheerleader, contact Darrell Gill at 615-597-8473, or stop by DeKalb Tire in Smithville.