Henry County High School head coach James Counce Jr. is pleased with what he saw from the Patriot football team during two weeks of intense spring drills that culminated last Thursday with a scrimmage against Lexington at Patriot Stadium.

In the scrimmage, the Patriots scored every time they had the ball except once. The Patriot defense played physical football, but allowed Lexington a few long runs. I caught up with Counce on Friday to talk about spring practice and he had several thoughts to offer up.

PATRIOTS WORK HARD IN OFFSEASON

Counce said the Patriots had put in a great deal of time in the weight room and working to get their bodies ready to play football. 

After all that time cramped up in the fieldhouse, they were eager to return to the practice field for the spring drills.

“We went four days over two weeks this spring,” said Counce. 

“We were looking to see which guys were going to go out there and compete. We wanted to see who was willing to throw their bodies around and play physical. I think for the most part, the guys did everything we asked them to do.”

QUARTERBACKS MAKE PROGRESS

Record-breaker Caden Marshall completed his eligibility last fall so the Patriots will need a new quarterback for the 2024 season. Ayden Spellings saw reps in freshman, junior varsity and a handful of plays in varsity games last season. 

To add depth and provide competition, Counce has shifted rising senior Brock Beddies from wide receiver to quarterback.

“Both of those guys led the offense to a scoring drive every time they were on the field in the scrimmage,” Counce said. “We thought Brock had the athleticism and ability to make the move from receiver. We didn’t know how he would handle all the mental things we were going to throw at him to prepare him for the position but he is doing a good job with all of that. 

“Ayden continues to prepare and improve. We feel good about where these guys are at coming out of spring but there is a lot of work to do. It is going to be a good competition.”

Jacob Fishinghawk, who will be a junior next fall, also is seeing time at quarterback.

DEPTH ALONG THE LINE

Counce is very pleased to report that there are quality linemen with playing experience available to fill out the spots on the line on both sides of the football.

“We have a couple of starters back on the offensive line but a group of other guys that saw a lot of playing time to fill out the other spots. 

“The defensive line is the same way and we should be able to do more platooning where guys only see action on one side of the field this year. 

“We’ve been a little thin the last couple of the years on the line, so it is good to have some depth there this time.”

Returning linemen being counted on to be leaders include Patrick Conroy, Drew Overton and Jesse Harrod, Counce said. 

SEVERAL RUNNERS WILL SEE ACTION

The Patriots have a stable of runners available that includes rising seniors DeMarccus Patton and Lavon Tharpe. Peyten Littleton has experience in the backfield and at receiver.

Beddies was the most experiences receiver and last year’s deep threat, Javion Boyd, will be graduating this spring. Senior Miles Allen had some big catches on deep throws in the  Lexington scrimmage. Another rising senior with receiver experience is Martez Rack. 

DEFENSIVE EXPERIENCE RETURNING

Counce said spring games are always hard for the defense because your team doesn’t prepare for a particular offensive scheme.

“We just ask guys to react to what they see and make plays. We want to see who is willing to throw their bodies around and make plays. Obviously, there were some things in the scrimmage that we’ll want to clean up and we will do that,” said Counce.

Veterans returning to the defensive unit include Patton, Tharpe, Rush Cox, Rack, Landon Rhodes, Littleton and Isaiah Williams. Beddies will also still see time at defensive back. 

PATS RETURN TO CONDITIONING

Counce said the Patriots will go back to work in the weight room for the rest of the school year to continue to prepare their bodies for the 2024 season.

“We’ll return to the offseason program now. I like getting spring over with at this point so that there isn’t a lot of distractions. 

“Later in the spring, there are lots of things going on and the guys will be trying to finish up the school year in the classroom. 

“Then we will get into the summer and open camp for the season in July. I’m excited about this team because of the commitment they have shown in the offseason program — their willingness that they had to work hard this spring.

“I think we’re seeing seniors that are going to be good leaders,” said Counce.

BACK BEFORE YOU KNOW IT

The spring scrimmage gave Patriots fans a quick look at what to expect this fall. A good crowd was on hand for the scrimmage with Lexington and fans left Patriot Stadium thinking Go Big Red! 

TOMMY PRIDDY is the former sports editor for The Post-Intelligencer and is a member of the Paris-Henry County Sports Hall of Fame. He now lives the retired life in Henry but still follows the Henry County Patriots regularly.

Load comments