Spring means football for EC
By KRIS BAGLEY sports@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Spring In His Step Wes Condra drops back for a pass during a spring practice session. He battled back from a collarbone injury to be El Campo's probable starting quarterback.

In the spirit of spring, the Ricebirds are trying something new with their football scheme - or at least making some tweaks.

Head Coach Bob Gillis is rotating players in some new spots in search of next season's team. With just over a week left for practices, the Ricebirds are searching for an identity to help start fall practices at full speed.

"Spring training is a time where we try to find out our players, depth and who can play a different position that they didn't play before," Gillis said. "We're trying a lot of guys at new positions.

"That's one good thing about El Campo - a lot of people give up individual awards for the team. Spring training is about that. We're not preparing for anybody. It's our offense against our defense."

The Ricebirds will have their 10th spring practice this afternoon. Training runs through May 22 when the team plans on celebrating with a special ending session.

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Hard Hitters Maverick Smith (4) puts a block on Darius Parks, who fought back hard, during Thursday's practice. Both will be seniors by the start of football season.

It will not be a typical Spring Game because of the turf installation at Ricebird stadium. No teams will be drafted. Gillis does invite fans out to bring their lawn chairs for the practice sometime in the afternoon because there are no lights on the practice field.

For the moment, the team is focusing on El Campo's style with an emphasis on special teams this week.

Gillis said the sophomores and juniors practice ethic have been solid since spring training began.

"Without the seniors here, these sophomores and juniors have to carry on and be on their own," Gillis said. "They have to develop themselves as leaders. That's a good thing about spring training because the seniors aren't here.

"It's different when we first get out there and we don't see our guys. Next year at this time, we'll say it's different because last year's seniors were great and we don't see them anymore. It's just a constant cycle."

One of next year's seniors to step up in leadership is Wes Condra.

Gillis said at the All-Sports Banquet that he hopes Condra will be the team's starting quarterback in the fall. So far, Condra has had some good practices.

"He's stepping in and doing a good job," Gillis said. "Of course, he played quarterback as a sophomore but he didn't get a chance to play last year because of his collarbone injury. He's done well in learning. It's different when you step in front of the huddle and you're the guy.

"It was the same thing last year with Dakota (Pietsch). We were in the same situation where he hadn't really played and he did a great job. We expect Wes to do the same thing."

Spring is showing that El Campo will have a different offensive attack when the season starts. Seemingly gone are the days of the large, physical running attack with lighter, faster running backs taking a bigger load.

"The guys that we've been working at running backs are very small and they're quick," Gillis said. "We've been working Maverick (Smith) and Landon (Appling). Last year was Anthony Terrell, Maverick, Thad (Deiss), Landon and those guys. Bryan Skow can also play running back, but he's working mainly on defense.

"It's a little bit different with our running backs' size compared to previous years. We're probably not going to be as big in the backfield as we have been. We're going to have to change a little bit. We may not be as much of a power football team."

This year's freshmen are practicing a little differently than the sophomores and juniors. Freshmen hit the field at 2:33 p.m. and are usually finished before the older Ricebirds practice after school.

"It's a little bit less intense," Gillis said. "We keep them separate and practice them during eighth period and about 30 minutes after school. We just really concentrate on basics. We are moving some kids around and trying to find some different positions for kids and players."

One of the great things about spring training is that even the freshmen are guaranteed a chance to earn a varsity roster position. Gillis estimated 75 sophomores and juniors are working for the same goal and logic says they will get a look first.

"We don't have any set number," Gillis said. "If 75 can help us and contribute and play, then that's great. Chances are, if you're a junior, you're going to be just standing on the sideline. You need to play. As a junior on the JV, that doesn't mean that you're not going to be a starter as a senior. The best people start. Just because you're on the varsity as a junior, doesn't mean you're guaranteed any type of starting position.

"We don't guarantee any playing time. We guarantee them a chance to practice, work hard and to be a part of the team. The best people play. They're guaranteed a chance every day."