Skyline pleased with progress on opening day of practice – Northern Virginia Daily

FRONT ROYAL Skyline got a little bit of a jump on the football season, and it helped things go smoothly for the first day of practice on Thursday.

Skyline head football coach Heath Gilbert said 45 players from junior varsity and varsity attended the final day of the summer session offseason program on Wednesday without helmets or pads. He said they used some of that time to go over what they would be doing for Thursdays first practice, and it definitely helped.

It helped us hit the ground running a little bit, Gilbert said. And to help catch up the guys that havent been this consistent have an idea what theyre going to do. (Wednesdays) execution was pretty sharp and then today with the helmets and being out there a little bit longer wore on the kids a little bit. They were working really hard, and thats just something that theyre all going to have to fight through right now. Its nothing unusual, nothing that were worried about. Well hit our stride here pretty soon.

Gilbert said he had 57 kids between JV and varsity for Thursdays practice, and he plans to keep a little over 30 kids for varsity, which is the most hes had in a few years. Gilbert said they had to practice inside for the last part of their afternoon practice due to the heat.

Skyline senior offensive lineman John Marshall said he thought things went well for the first day of practice.

I feel like were growing as a team, Marshall said. Were doing pretty good. Were growing, and I feel like if we get some more practice in we should have a successful season and we should do pretty good.

Marshall is one of the few returners on the offensive line, where Skyline lost some key players to graduation.

Marshall said he has seen some positive things from some of the younger players on the offensive line.

We have a couple players coming up and filling in spots, and I feel like they will do well if they just put in the work, Marshall said. ...I am trying to teach them right, teach them to do good and the mental things. Thats what really messed us up last year. We just need to be better mentally and physically.

If the offensive line can perform well, there are plenty of skilled players who can have success, led by senior Aidan Vaught. Last season Vaught moved from running back to quarterback, but Gilbert said this season he will return to running back.

Gilbert said juniors Nate Ballard and Nick Mrad will be competing for the starting quarterback spot.

Theyve been competing through the 7-on-7 (competitions in the summer) really to get them settled in and just to know what theyre supposed to do, Gilbert said. But now that camp starts the true competition is going to begin. And when we put pads on and start get through these scrimmages well really see their true colors.

Gilbert said Vaught will still be taking snaps in their Wild Hawk package and can still throw the ball some.

He had a lot on his plate, Gilbert said. This is going to allow him to be freed up a little bit. Hes so dynamic as a receiver as well. We can use him in so many ways and still direct snap to him, where hes going to throw it at times too. Hes definitely not going to lose touches thats for sure.

Skyline begins its season on Aug. 25, by hosting Strasburg.

Gilbert said he saw a lot of positives from his squad on Thursday, and he said these first few practices are really important. He said teachers go back next week, so they cant practice for as long from that point on.

Gilbert said they always film parts of their practice and its helpful for the kids to be able to watch.

It helps their development so much, Gilbert said. To see what were saying and see film. And then try to update and fix the mistakes that may have been made.

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Skyline pleased with progress on opening day of practice - Northern Virginia Daily