Greyhounds forge ahead to practicing in full pads

  • The Greyhounds wrapped up their acclimation period of practice last week. BRAD HARRISON/Staff
    The Greyhounds wrapped up their acclimation period of practice last week. BRAD HARRISON/Staff
  • Judd Anderson directs a receiver into place before taking a snap. BRAD HARRISON/Staff
    Judd Anderson directs a receiver into place before taking a snap. BRAD HARRISON/Staff
  • The Greyhounds offensive and defensive lines dig in before the ball is snapped during last week’s practice. BRAD HARRISON/Staff
    The Greyhounds offensive and defensive lines dig in before the ball is snapped during last week’s practice. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

    School started this week for students in Jones County, and so did football practice, officially.

    The Greyhounds did just that, taking the field early Monday morning.

    Following last week’s acclimation period, teams were green-lighted to practice in full pads per the GHSA rules on Monday. That means that a sight seen most of the summer – the Greyhounds practicing in helmets and shorts – will give away to Jones County players practicing in full pads.

    Time will be of the essence, too. Not only does Jones County open the season Aug. 20 against Northside at Mercer University, but one of the state’s biggest powerhouse programs, Buford, also comes to Gray for a scrimmage on Aug. 12. The multi-time state champions are also moving up to GHSA Class AAAAAAA this season.

    There is a looming task ahead for the younger Greyhounds, too. In addition to being prepped and ready to go if needed, the JV and ninth-grade squads also start to play soon. Both teams play

    Northside Aug. 25 with the JV at home and ninth grade on the road with the ninth grade home opener being Sept. 29 against Perry following away games at Peach County, Veterans and Houston County.