Central High School’s Sam Montgomery had more players than helmets when the Purple Pounders’ new football coach greeted his squad.
Montgomery, who succeeded David Barger, has 88 players currently in two-a-days, which is good news for any new coach. Only seven of the 88 are seniors.
“We have a lot of puppies, but they’re working,” he said. “What we’re going to have to do is be patient and realize that our progress may come in baby steps.”
He was delighted, though, with the effort his players put forth in summer workouts. The 2009 Pounders made it to the playoffs, starting the year 4-0 and ending with a first-round loss to semifinalist Greeneville.
“David did a good job with the program. We have good athletes. Our goal is to get Central back to where it used to be,” Montgomery said. “But I don’t want to build just a team. I want to build a successful program.”