Patriots hit practice field in preparation for football season

The Homewood Patriots, coming off their third straight region title and third consecutive nine-win season, opened fall practice Monday in preparation for the football season.

Behind quarterback Carson Griffis, who will be starting for the third year, and defensive end Griffin Gentry, who racked up 106 tackles last season and has committed to Troy University, expectations are high.

Coach Ben Berguson said Wednesday morning that the first couple of days have gone well.

"Of course, everybody's running around in shorts, so everybody's looking good," Berguson said. "We really can't start hitting until Friday, so even though we're in shells today and tomorrow, they're still non-contact days."

Even so, Berguson said he likes the way his players are approaching the season.

"We've had great energy at practice, people running around, everybody's excited, so that's a good thing. 

"But we really won't know anything until we start hitting a little bit."

Homewood opens the season at home on Friday, Aug. 21, against Decatur.