By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

SPRINGFIELD — South Effingham coach Nathan Clark and Effingham County coach John Ford will approach spring football differently while hoping for similar results.

Both schools begin spring football Wednesday with 10 practices (in pads) within 13 school days — the allowance under Georgia High School Association guidelines.

To this point, players could only work out without a ball (weight lifting and agility drills).

“I want to see who’s going to be physical and tough,” Clark said. “I think tough guys win.”

Ford also will be looking at players closely.

“No question, this is where you find leaders — who’s going to step up,” Ford said. “(You) see who’s going to hold themselves to a high standard and hold others to the same standard.”

For his first three practices, Clark will split up his team. SEHS’ incoming freshmen will work out Wednesday and Thursday before the returning veterans put on pads Friday.

The vets practice Monday and Tuesday. Then the freshmen work out together on May 11 before the entire team unites May 12-20.

SEHS’ last day will be an intrasquad scrimmage at The Corral.

ECHS will have the incoming freshmen and veterans practice together. The Rebels will end workouts with a scrimmage against Bleckley County on May 20.

Clark said each of his players will work out in offensive and defensive positions.

“We’ll do more in the summer (schematically), but right now we’re trying to get guys in the right positions,” Clark said.

“There’s quote-unquote a lot of holes to fill and what I like about the spring is you’ll see a kid who works his tail off and really lets his hard work show out,” Ford said.

SEHS kicks off the 2022 season Aug. 19 on the road against Vidalia. ECHS opens the same night, traveling to Richmond Hill.