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FERRIDAY — Just like Vidalia High School and Ferriday High School, the Delta Charter School Storm  football team had to wait an extra day to begin its summer practices last week due to Tropical Storm Cristobal.

The Storm began practices on June 9 instead of on June 8. But despite the delay, head coach Blake Wheeler said it was good to be back out on the field to get ready for the upcoming 2020 season.

Wheeler added that practices had gone pretty good for the first week.

“Good to be back and have the players back,” Wheeler said. “Good attendance and week one was really good for us.”

Not only was Wheeler and his coaching staff thrilled to be back. So were the players.

“They were really excited,” he said. “Happy to be around each other again and happy to be back with the program. I think they were happy to be doing something instead of sitting around the house.”

There have been several things the Storm’s football team were focusing on during the first week back – and not just on the field, either.

“Getting down our core list and helping the incoming guys with our weight room procedure with all the stuff we’re having to do now with sanitizing and social distancing,” Wheeler said. “Basically just weightlifting, footwork and conditioning. We have a short amount of time. We’re trying to get the kids ready for the season.”

Wheeler said that two players, Tre Griffin and K.J. Hollins, both of whom will be seniors, have stood out above the rest so far.

“Griffin has been solid for a long time,” Wheeler said. “He’s been leading the workouts and he’s been the first in the drills. Hollins has also been doing a real good job.”

As for what Delta Charter has planned for next week, Wheeler said just to build up. Wheeler added he’s excited to be back at practices again.
“We will try to increase some of our numbers in the weight room,” Wheeler said. “It’s supposed to be real hot the upcoming week. We are trying to grow as a team and we’re just real excited to be back at it.”