Irion County Hornet Practice 2019

I headed out for Irion County driving into the night with the morning sun trying to peek in behind me. I covered Irion County in the basketball playoffs last year and have often covered them in track and cross country, but this would be a first for football. After you leave San Angelo and head west, you enter what I call “oil field country.” Big trucks, numerous RV parks, and a whole lot of nothing else going on. I was very surprised when I arrived at how many big, beautiful oak trees there were in the stadium parking area. Of course, I parked under one for the amazing shade. I’m used to just Mesquite brush west of San Angelo, so this was a nice, unexpected surprise.
 
Again, there was a great breeze and with it still being early, it was perfect weather to be outside. I entered the stadium and was quickly greeted by a group of coaches. We visited briefly as the boys grabbed a quick water break. They quickly got right back to work, and I took lots of photos.
 
Irion County has 20 plus players suited out this season. I saw great potential on that field today. All good sizes for playing Six-Man. In Six-Man the size of players needed is a bit different than that of 11-man. Coach Coffell was running them through some sweeps and later they did some six on six scrimmaging. I heard Coffell explaining some things and then telling the boys they would see this in the films they would be watching, and it would make more sense having run through it on the field as well.
 
Coach Coffell would get so excited and proud as they ran through drills. This got the kids and the other coaches excited as well. His excitement about this new venture for Irion County shows, and the players are getting excited. I feel the Hornets have made some great choices in making the switch to Six-Man. They have a great coaching staff and brought in an experienced Six-Man coach to top it off. This will definitely make a difference in their success. I may be a bit biased as Six-Man is my favorite sport and hands down my favorite to photograph, but I think this was a positive move for Irion County community and players. Lots of potential on that field this morning. Can’t wait to see them play a game.
 
See you on the Sidelines!
Dency