VIDALIA — Vidalia High School head football coach Jeff Hancock is realistic.

His first year at the Vikings’ helm — the 2014 season — was about teaching his young team that the game of football could be fun. His 2015 campaign was about competing with the youngest percentile of teams in LHSAA.

This season, Hancock said he is ready for his players to step up to the next level and compete with teams throughout the state.

On the Vikings’ first day of spring practice Monday, Hancock could tell the team is ready, too.

“Everybody is jacked up, and you have to calm them down a little bit to get them to understand it’s about techniques and fundamentals,” Hancock said.

Vidalia took advantage of the cool Monday afternoon to break up into personnel groupings. For the first time at Vidalia, Hancock has a sizeable and seasoned coaching staff to work with players on a more personal level.

“The biggest thing for me was not only getting kids stronger in the offseason — which I think we’ve done — but also making additions to our coaching staff,” Hancock said.

Hancock’s additions include Mike Norris, previously from Natchez High School, to coach wide receivers and defensive backs. Charles Anderson takes over on the offensive line, allowing former offensive line coach Kejuane Bates to coach the defensive line. Matt Malone will coach the Vikings’ running backs and Rob Faircloth coaches the linebackers.

Hancock handles the quarterback coaching duties himself, where he grooms upcoming sophomore Tristan Weatherly.

“We’ve worked with reads and coverages and concepts,” Hancock said. “Usually, it’s either been that he watches film or works on a drop. Now it’s about putting them all together.”

Weatherly said his growth has allowed him to be a little more fearless on the field and in the huddle.

“Being a ninth grader makes it hard to step up in front of the older guys,” Weatherly said. “Now, it feels easier.”

Weatherly said the bigger coaching staff has focused the team more this season, since players can work in personnel groups.

Vidalia’s spring game will be on the road at False River High School May 14. Weatherly said the more-seasoned Vikings will play the spring game with a chip on their shoulder.

“We were young last year, nobody really realized that,” Weatherly said. “We’re not a rookie team anymore.”