The Greyhounds will wrap up spring practice on Saturday morning for their J-Day Intrasquad Scrimmage, allowing the community to come together to both see and support Jones County football.
Admission is free with the donation of either snacks or laundry supplies, two key items to be used going into the summer months building toward preseason practice in late July.
“It’s 100 percent about uniting the community,” Montgomery said. “From program standpoint, it’s about making sure we get right guys in the right place. We want to make sure we get our players in the right position to be successful.”
Those players on the field Saturday morning are ones that Montgomery says have shown plenty of growth, both as coaches and players. Not only is Montgomery new, but many of Jones County’s assistant coaches are, as well.
“We’re definitely not content with where we’re at, but we have seen a ton of growth on every front. That’s really encouraging,” Montgomery said. “Everyone — coaches and players — are learning how we do things and how we practice. We’ve seen a jump from practice one to practice three and to practice six. I’m excited to finish up the week well and go into the summer.”
But the tangible progress goes more than that. The adaptability to something new has also been evident, according to Montgomery.
“I’ve been really encouraged with the buy-in, especially from the upperclassmen,” Montgomery said. “Sometimes when you have a transition, those are the ones with the most resistance. But we have had a really good buy-in and have guys willing to take coaching and open to change. That makes your spring go really well.”
Sometimes when you have a transition, [upperclassmen] are the ones with the most resistance. But we have had a really good buy-in and have guys willing to take coaching and open to change.
– Head coach Justin Montgomery
