Football Practice Report #1

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill football team held their first scrimmage in Meares Stadium and Ammons Family Athletic Center on Friday morning.

"We played with lots of energy and enthusiasm," head coach Tim Clifton said. "I was encouraged with the attitude our guys had from the start and they did a good job playing with a lot of speed, however, we still have a ways to go."

In particular, Clifton was pleased with the performance of the Lion defense during the scrimmage.

"Defensively, our linebackers and secondary got better today," Clifton stated. "A strength of our defensive is our line, all of whom are returning veterans."

With fall camp reaching its conclusion on Monday, Clifton feels as if his team has grown during the preseason practices.

"We've worked hard and smart. Our emphasis at camp has been practicing with effort and focusing on assignments. Our veterans have made lots of progress on assignments as well as what's expected of them. Our younger guys have learned on the go. We've made progress but we're still not where we need to be yet."    

The Lions will continue with practice over the weekend and into next week before the final preseason scrimmage next weekend.