Coaches know improvement in their teams, whether it is on an individual or group basis, doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for players to pick up techniques and offensive schemes.
But when they do, and they’re telling coaches what they’re seeing happen on the field, that’s when everything starts to click.
Travis Ragan, the head football coach for Cumberland County Middle School, has hit that phase with his team. After weeks of him and his staff working on the fundamentals with players, he likes the direction the Jets are heading.
“I think there are a lot of things I like about this team,” Ragan said. “At the Jamboree last week, we definitely improved from the first game to the last game. We were out of position a lot just because it was our first time doing it. But the kids really responded well.
“During our halftimes, when we kind of coached them up and told them and showed them what they were doing wrong, I think it motivated them. They answered the call in the second half of the night. Also, I think our defense did a great job.”
Besides CCMS, the Jamboree included Monterey, Overton County and Bledsoe County.
“That was a big night for us because we played against three other teams that kind of ran different offenses and defenses,” the coach said. “I think we were a little shocked in the first game of the night. They were playing aggressive just like we were. It helped show us who is ready to play and who isn’t.”
Cumberland County opened the regular season Thursday, Aug. 6, when Sequatchie County came to Crossville.
“We’re feeling pretty good heading into the opener,” said Ragan, earlier in the week. We’ve got some bugs to work out, especially offensively. Defensively, I’m feeling pretty good.
“We had one kid break his wrist, so we need to figure that position out. Other than that, everything is easily fixable.”
Ragan’s biggest concern as the season starts, he said, is staying consistent. He said he’s always believed that more games are lost, then won. Consistency is so important.
A lot of players have been stepping things up in practice and Ragan said they’ve caught his eye. Among several, Ragan mentioned Coy Lewis on the defensive line. The coach said Lewis spent most of his time in the Jamboree in the opposing team’s backfield. He also mentioned Hank Paradis on the offensive line.
“This is a brand new season and we’ve got 50-plus kids on the roster. We’ve never had this many,” Reagan said. “These kids are motivated, they want to play. They want to represent their school, their team, their community.
“I think if the fans come out and support this team, they’re going to have a lot of fun. They’re going to be a part of the family atmosphere, and we really want them to come experience that.”