Jayton Jaybird Practice 2019

As you all probably know by now, I didn’t have far to drive. I actually drove my beloved 1992 faded red golf cart (aka The Ghetto mobile) the short ½ mile to Jaybird Stadium. It was a nice drive, and a big storm was brewing to the Northwest. The clouds were moving in quickly. I wasn’t going to complain as Jaybird Stadium has turf and those millions of little black rubber balls heat up really quickly. When it’s 100 outside, you can bet it will be 110 or more on the field. Sometimes I worry the bottom of my shoes may melt. BUT today that was not going to happen.
 
I arrived and the Jaybirds were gathered in the end zone stretching and getting loose. They are 22 strong this season. That really is incredible because just four years ago they only had eight boys in the program and not many more than that in high school. I saw some pretty good things during workout this evening. I saw kids who could consistently catch a hard pass. I saw players talking to each other on the field – communicating (so important). I saw each #nastybird working hard every down. When they messed up, it was counted. The number of “gassers” they ran directly related to those mess ups. For day three, there were 14 gassers. There were immediate up/downs – not a favorite of the Birds – for going offsides at any time. For the first time wearing pads, they seemed very comfortable. I haven’t seen the Jaybirds look that good on day three in a very long time!
 
And for the first time in as long as I can remember, nine Jaybirds will run cross country! Another thing that caught my attention is that the new concession stand building at the end of the field is almost complete! There are also two very large covered areas, one for home and one for visitors. There are dressing rooms in the new building so players no longer have to run the 300 yards back to the school building at halftime. And I’m guessing much larger bathrooms.
 
Coach Josh Stanaland is excited about this year’s team. He’s ready to get the season started. The Jaybird’s first scrimmage is next Friday, August 16 starting at 5:00PM. They will host Hermleigh, Newcastle, Knox City, and Valley. Good luck to the Jaybirds this season!
 
Remember… Go Forward and Do GOOD!