Spring practice 'invaluable' for Michael Copley, Siegel football
Michael Copley has had a few months to get acclimated to his new football team at Siegel.
However, there's no substitution for being able to get on the practice field for the first time with the Stars.
"I already got a pretty good idea of these guys in the weight room," said Copley, who took over the program earlier this year following the resignation of Greg Wyant after the 2016 season.
"They've worked extremely hard in the weight room. We weeded out some who aren't willing to work. You're the anchor if you're not in the boat."
Siegel has had almost a week on the field for spring practice, and Copley has been pleased with both results and effort, particularly with the unfamiliarity on both sides.
"I feel pretty good," Copley said. "We've only moved around one or two kids, and that's to help them be more successful. The kids have completely bought in."
Siegel went 3-8 last season, the third consecutive three-win season for the Stars in the tough Class 6A. Copley came to the Stars from Louisville, where he was coach at Ballard High a season ago. His squad reached the 6A state quarterfinals last year and finished 9-4.
He stressed the importance of spring practice, not only to see what his returnees can do on the field, but also to give the players time to learn a new system.
"It's invaluable," Copley said. "It's about changing the verbiage and teaching. What we call things are different than what they're used to.
"We've got to be talking the same language. It's the base for everything we do."
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Siegel returns some valuable weapons, including incoming senior quarterback Brendan Crowell, offensive lineman and South Carolina commitment Maxwell Iyama and tight end/defensive lineman Joseph Anderson.
"We're getting used to the new system," Crowell said. "We've changed the offense a lot. Last year we were more of a spread offense. We'll be more under center this year."
The Stars will have the daunting task of replacing Mr. Football Kicker of the Year Jacob Smith.
"In the spring that's something we're not as focused on," Copley said of the kicking game. "It's obviously the elephant in the room. We haven't done a lot of special teams. Would I like to have a Mr. Football winner back? Absolutely."
Siegel has scrimmages scheduled for May 6 at Brentwood and May 12 at home against Mt. Juliet.
"Everyone is getting better," Crowell said. "We just have to keep working hard. I love (Copley). He is one of my favorite coaches."
Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.