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Boyle County football coach Chuck Smith said things are different this time around

 

By HAL MORRIS [email protected]

 

Chuck Smith likes that his former Boyle County football players are now bringing their sons to the Boyle County Football Camp.

“It’s pretty cool, it makes me feel old though,” Smith said laughing on Saturday during the second day of his first camp back since returning to coach Boyle in January.

Smith left Boyle to coach linebackers at Kentucky 10 years ago after leading the Rebels to five straight state titles and six straight title games. Now he’s returned, and said things are not just going to automatically be like they were before.

“It’s different, but I didn’t expect it to be the same. I wanted it to be different. And I think we’re going to plug away and make things work,” he said. “And I’ve got to get used to everything and go from there.”

That includes a high school game which Smith said is different than when he left. But one thing he said has not changed is how his players are preparing for the season.

“The kids that have been participating with us at the high school, the Boyle County kids, so far they’ve got the same work ethic and attitude as the kids that were here when I left. They’re hard workers, they’ve got great attitudes and I think they really want to win.

“As far as that’s concerned, it’s the same kind of attitude as the kids we had here before.”

And Smith wants to instill the same kind of attitude in his campers, and their youth football coaches.

Smith wants the kids at the camp to have fun while learning the game, and hopes the youth coaches in attendance this weekend will pick up some pointers along the way.

“A couple of objectives was for them to come out and learn some techniques and fundamentals the way we’re teaching at the high school, I think that’s the most important thing,” Smith said. “And then for them to have some fun doing it. And we invited all the youth football coaches and they all have shown up. And they get to come and see how things are being taught, the language that’s being used at the high school.

“I want everyone to understand this is all one big family here, from the youth league all the way up to the high school, we’re all one big family. And when we’re all on the same page, we’ll all get the same result at the end.

“They’re understanding how we’re teaching and coaching the kids at the high school. Hopefully they’re learning some things from the high school coaches and they understand we’re all in it together.”

While he spent the weekend helping the future Rebels learn the game, his current players are set to start work this week.

Boyle begins practice Monday, Smith’s first with the Rebels since 2004, and he is anxious to get going.

“I’m excited about it,” said Smith, who also admitted to having some nerves. “I always get nervous. I get nervous before every practice and every game.

“And I want to do my best as a coach so I’m always nervous about that, no matter how many years I get.”

Anybody Heard how the first week of practice is going?

More players, some really strong linemen and linebackers, some bigger guys than we have seen in a while. Some are faster and have hit their growth spurt. Rbs look strong fast and healthy. Hoskins will be a load this year. Qb looks in great shape his upper body looks good and very strong to go with his good football sense and good legs. Alot of recievers , a couple of new ones with speed and onexwith good size.

More players, some really strong linemen and linebackers, some bigger guys than we have seen in a while. Some are faster and have hit their growth spurt. Rbs look strong fast and healthy. Hoskins will be a load this year. Qb looks in great shape his upper body looks good and very strong to go with his good football sense and good legs. Alot of recievers , a couple of new ones with speed and onexwith good size.

 

 

Zack Leigh has nice size and is playing WR. Senior. Not sure of his height but I believe he is 6'2"-6'4". Strong body and a nice vertical. He should be a good addition if he can get re-acclimated to the contact.

I believe Jase Sharp is at WR also and he has good size as well.

Leigh had really nice vertical but I think in is about 6'0" to 6'2", but plays like he is a lot taller. Sharp was a good receiver last year and I think will probably be the go to receiver. Hopefully he has put on a little more weight or muscle. Man I just can't wait.