Rebels Resume Practice, Conclude 7-on-7s

McKENZIE (July 15) — The McKenzie High School Rebel football team resumed practice last week following the summer dead period with the season fast approaching. The team traveled for a pair of 7-on-7’s to conclude the week and held one final 7-on-7 Monday evening.
First-year Head Coach Keith Hodge updated The Banner Monday morning on the productive road trip. He said the team is “continuing to improve” after getting back in the swing of things from the dead period.
Thursday, the team traveled to Camden for a 7-on-7 and lineman challenge, with Lexington also participating. Coach Hodge said the team “competed well and got tons of reps in” while focusing on communication. The Rebel linemen also competed well, winning several competitions.
Friday, they made the long trek to the University of North Alabama in Florence for a 7-on-7 tournament. Hodge described the day as “blistering hot… with no breeze at all.” He added that most of the 34 schools participating were larger.
The Rebels went 3-1 in four pool-play games to earn the sixth overall seed in the tournament. They won their first tourney game, but were defeated in the second round. The coach said it was “good conditioning” and a great opportunity for extra reps for the whole team.
Monday, McKenzie hosted Southside at Bethel University for one final 7-on-7. They’ll practice in the evenings this week, and after a hard-earned Friday off, begin practicing in pads next week.
Coach Hodge expressed his eagerness to “get to some real football.”