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2009 KID'S CAMP
Relive the annual kid's football camp with a recap and action gallery.
| '09 CAMP RECAP | |
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Once again the participation in the Little Buccs program has grown as 34 kids field the varsity unit (fifth and sixth grade) and 22 round out the junior varsity team (third and fourth grade).
Coached by Rick Williams, the Little Buccs varsity has 20 sixth graders on the roster and 14 fifth graders, making for potential future success at the junior high level over the next couple of years should the kids stay together as a unit.
Which is what Williams and his coaching staff is trying to accomplish with the Little Buccs program - conducting it as a feeder program for junior high and high school - teaching fundamental techniques, proper conditioning, an emphasis on effort on every play and even implementing a scaled down version of the offense the junior high and high school runs.
The idea is to make the game an enjoyable and learning experience for the kids, hoping they develop a passion for the sport and choose to continue throughout junior high and high school. Plus, to narrow the learning curve for the kids when they do reach junior high so they can hit the ground running.
Brett Barnes and the ever popular "Hammer" work with the junior varsity kids consisting of third and fourth graders. Here the kids are introduced to the basic elements of the game - with a primary focus on technique. Much like at the varsity level, Barnes and Hammer utilize the junior varsity program as a feeder program for Little Buccs varsity.
With many kids entering football for the first time as third graders, there is some uncertainty in the minds of the kids about the game. A heavy emphasis is on building self confidence in the kids by encouraging them to be willing to challenge themselves on things they may not think they can do.
There have been some changes to the schedule this year as the Little Buccs will play a seven-game schedule (equal to the junior high) against other Cross County Conference teams and not play in the playoffs. Covington also has chosen not to schedule a game on Labor Day weekend to accommodate families who will be using that weekend as their final vacation opportunity of the summer.
These changes have been made in the best interests of the youngsters who play. Consider, should Covington choose to participate in all eight regular season games and the playoffs it would be possible for the kids to play a 12-game schedule, longer than a high school schedule. Plus, the playoff bracket is set up to where three games would be played in two days, should Covington win. This was considered to be too much for kids third through sixth grade - which Buccaneer high school football coach Dave Miller agreed.
It's good to know Rick Williams, Hammer and the Little Buccs organization is looking out for the best interest of our kids.
