Mohawk football practice underway

Piggott Mohawk head football coach Dave Hendrix drills linebackers and defensive ends during the first practice of the year last Wednesday. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

The Piggott Mohawk football teams began pre-season drills last week, and this week both the senior and junior squads are continuing to tune-up for the regular season.

For the senior Mohawks the 2009 season will be a bit of a re-building effort, as the squad graduated many of their starters. But the nucleus of talent remains, and despite a fairly small senior class the team has a variety of underclassmen ready to step into a starting role.

At last week's first pre-season practice fourth-year head coach Dave Hendrix made it clear that the Mohawks would have their work cut out for them, "I want you guys to forget whatever you may have read, or that we're picked to finish fifth or sixth...yes we play in a tough conference, but we have the chance to make a big impact."

Hendrix also noted that the Tribe's non-conference schedule is also a tough one, "you know Valley View is gonna be tough, they always are...and Caruthersville was a final eight team last year in Missouri, and Clarendon is always going to put up a fight...it's not going to be easy."

He also compared the tough 3A-3 conference to the SEC, noting that there are a number of talented teams that will be competing for post season play this year.

The Mohawks will kick-off the regular season at Valley View Friday, Sept. 4 and will host the Tigers of Caruthersville at Parker Field on Sept. 11 in the home opener. The Tribe will close out the non-conference schedule by hosting the Clarendon Lions Sept. 18, and will begin conference play at Cave City on Friday, Sept. 25.