When Covington Schools named Dave Miller as the 15th head football coach he was upfront about his plans to be involved with the younger kids within the community.
"The success of the program starts with the younger kids," Miller said in his first interview as Covington football coach. "I want to get as many of the younger kids involved as I can. I'm going to be available at the junior high level and the youth level."
Even though the Buccaneers have had a run of success over the years, Miller understands it will take an increase in participation at all levels to take the program to the next level.
He has already set his plan in motion.
Miller has combined the annual youth football camp with the junior high camp, which will be held on three consecutive days from July 16 to July 18th. With the entire coaching staff and the high school players instructing the camp, it will bring together kids from the second grade to twelfth grade all on one field at the same time.
Having everyone on one field at the same time shows the younger kids that they are a part of the program, not just spectators on Friday nights.
That's not all.
Miller has already made contact with Steve Bordelon, the president of the Little Buccs Organization.
"I talked to him (Coach Miller) and he is very interested in getting involved in the Little Buccs program," said Bordelon. "I'm not sure yet what exactly that will be, but the fact he wants to work with us is great. It will only help the program as a whole."
Although he's not sure of what extent Coach Miller's involvement will be, Bordelon is excited of what the future holds.
"I'm thrilled he's willing to work with us," Bordelon continued. "Whatever he wants us to do, we'll do. It's all about making this (youth football) good for the kids. If we can make Little Buccs a fun learning experience for the kids, more and more of them will continue to play through high school."
Which would only take the high school program to the next level.
LITTLE BUCCS PRACTICE/TEAM SCHEDULE...
Week of July 30th - Conditioning with helmet (Minimum 10 hrs. per player.)
August 7th and 8th - Practive with pads - run through plays
August 8th - Hitting permitted for season
September 26th - CCCYF Meeting, Blind Draw at Marion's Pizza in Englewood
October 13th or 14th - First Round Playoff at Covington, TV South and National Trail
October 20th or 21st - Second Round Playoff at sites to be determined
October 27th or 28th - Championship Game at site to be determined
