With only nine seniors and five returning starters, Vidalia High head football coach Dee Faircloth is experiencing a different kind of fall practice from last year when he had 20 seniors.

&uot;It might take us a week to get our stance down,&uot;&160;Faircloth said. &uot;Last year on the first day we had our total offense in. I would walk into the huddle and call anything and they knew where they were going. Now they all look at each other like they are lost.&uot;

Ferriday High head football coach James McFarland is returning several starters, but is having a problem filling the shoes of quarterback A’Ron Thomas, who signed with Grambling.

&uot;We’ve got three guys, one who is a receiver and two others who are sophomores, and none of them have experience at quarterback,&uot; McFarland said. &uot;We’ll just see how it goes.&uot;

Faircloth and his coaches welcomed 56 players Monday.

&uot;They were in fair shape, but some of them were in worst shape than me, and that’s terrible,&uot; Faircloth said.

Finding linemen to replace the likes of Matthew Probst, Jason Jordan and Eddie Jester is a top priority.

&uot;We’ve moved some people around, moving tackles to guards,&uot;&160;Faircloth said. &uot;We do have some quality ballplayers and some kids who are ready to step it up. We’ll have to find some good leaders and go from there.&uot;

McFarland welcomed 32 players.

&uot;I think we’re in pretty good condition,&uot; he said. &uot;And everybody seems to be excited.&uot;

Ferriday surprised Many in the first round of the playoffs before losing in the second round.

&uot;We’ve put last year behind us and don’t even talk about it,&uot; McFarland said. &uot;We’ve got our goals set pretty high, but we’re going to take it one game at a time.&uot;

Vidalia and Ferriday will compete in the Vidalia Jamboree Aug. 26.