New Brockton hosts 7-on-7 competition

The New Brockton Gamecocks football team hosted Elba and Northside Methodist for 7-on-7 competition on June 30.

Despite coming off an OTA the previous day, New Brockton coach Zack Holmes was pleased with what he saw out of his Gamecocks.

“I thought it went good. It was good to compete,” Holmes said. “I thought when we started we were a little sluggish because we had an OTA the day before, but after coming back and looking at the tape the execution was pretty good.

“We scored every time we had the ball in the first game and were able to make some stops defensively. We just have to continue to develop our competitive edge and have to be better at competing and laying it on the line on a consistent basis.”

Holmes was also proud of the way his junior varsity players competed when they got a chance, too.

“I’m super proud of the young guys,” he said. “They went undefeated. Sometimes you wonder if they are getting enough reps and learning, so we’re really excited for them with the way they were able to play.”

Holmes said that the culture the Gamecocks have developed in the weight room has been beneficial for the entire team.

“The weight room has been really good. We’ve developed a culture of work there and I think those early morning workouts this winter and spring really helped develop that,” Holmes said. “The kids know when we get in there we’re going to work and they’ve been working really hard.”

Another positive for the Gamecocks so far this offseason is the arrival of former Daleville head coach Desmond Lett as the team’s new linebackers coach and wide receivers coach.

“Desmond is young, so he has those things you think about with young coaches like his energy and relating to the players, but he was also thrust into a head coaching position at a young age and has that head coaching experience,” Holmes said. “That head coaching experience is invaluable and I really respect his opinion. When I found out he wasn’t going to be at Daleville (anymore) I think I called him the next day about possibly coming to New Brockton.

“There is nothing like having that head coaching experience and having everything put on you. He also relates to the kids and gets along with them, while still having that balance of holding them accountable and being there for them at the same time. I’ll say we are much better, especially at the wide receivers spot, in all phases in just the short time he’s been here.”

New Brockton will take this week off and return to workouts the following week with a pair of 7-on-7 tournaments at home on July 13 and July 15.