Sports

NUMBERS SWELL AT DOLLARWAY CARDINALS FOOTBALL PRACTICE

By Sean Saunders/of the commercial staff
Thursday, August 7, 2008 12:48 PM CDT

After the rain subsided, the players decided it was time to go home from practice. One sedan left stuffed with three players in the front and three in the back.

That was a microcosm of the number that turned out for practice at Dollarway Wednesday, the final day of practice before the players can dress out in pads.

Dollarway coach Cortez Lee did not have an official count of the players at practice, but he estimated that the number was more than 50 with not all players reporting just yet. There were enough players to field two offensive squads and a defensive squad on the field at the same time, with additional Cardinals watching from the sideline.

“I kind of got this impression that guys would finally start coming,” Lee said. “I think most people caught what I was saying about the deadline, and we had a pretty good number today. I think we’re going to have to order some more equipment.”

The coaching staff was able to take a few risks with so many able bodies on the field. Wednesday’s practice was about as rough as the thunderstorm at the end, with linemen grabbing each other and linebackers getting after the quarterbacks.

“It got a little physical out there today where guys were moving around and pushing each other around,” Lee said. “It’s about time, too.”

The Cardinals got a break from the heat as the cool air kicked in right before the rain. But any heat is significant today as the players dress out in shoulder pads for the first time, and the 1 p.m. start time won’t change even in pads.

Lee said the contact will be toned down a little on the first day as the team won’t dress in full pads. Most of the contact should be dealt to the upper body as the players will wear shorts instead of leg pads.

“I want to see how the guys move around in pads instead of just a helmet,” Lee said.

Today is also the deadline for players to report to play for Dollarway in 2008. The Cardinals open up the season against Central Arkansas Christian on Sept. 5 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Golden Lion Stadium.

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