Trying to 'Restore the Roar'

By Rex Kirts

South's football motto this year is "Restore the Roar" as the Panthers hope to rebound from last year's rare losing season (3-7).
Kirk Kennedy has replaced Drew Wood as the head coach, and the summer of conditioning and learning a new system got its first public test at last Saturday's annual Purple and White scrimmage.
"It was good to get out there under different conditions," Kennedy said. "Two-a-days can get monotonous. It was good to get the kids in uniform. I think they have responded well to the situations we've put them in."
One of the things Kennedy wanted to see was excitement. There should be enthusiasm and spirit for good plays.
"I SAW EXCITEMENT in spots," he said. "We're in such a learning mode it's hard to get by that, to show enthusiasm and passion."
Kennedy is installing a run-oriented offense that's quite a contrast to Wood's style. Wood liked to spread things out, Kennedy likes a power game built around I formation plays. The system worked well at Lowell for Kennedy, who won one state championship, had two other state finalists and came into Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals.
"There's things we did well but still things to work on," Kennedy said of the Purple and White." It's basically becoming more football savvy."
It's a thin squad in numbers. There are about 50 on the roster, and a couple of them are injured. There will be several two-way starters, so the Panthers need to be in good shape. That's apparently been taken care of.
"I DON'T THINK we got tired," Kennedy said. "And we got out healthy.
"They're getting closer on the pace, the tempo of running our plays. Defensively I thought we flowed well to the football.
"We showed some flashes, but we've got to be more consistent."
A strength of this team is running back. They aren't big, but they can scoot. Competing at tailback are Nolan Rogers and Keith Bunton, and at fullback are Derek Murphy and Jon Campbell. There were several long runs in the scrimmage.
Trae Washington has also looked good at tailback, but he's been working at quarterback in place of the sidelined Michael Bower. Bower is expected back this week, and Washington can play tailback or wide receiver while also starting at cornerback.
"TRAE DID did all right at quarterback," Kennedy said. "He's had a great summer. He conducted himself well in the huddle, with poise. He's a good leader."
Among those Kennedy felt played well were Washington, David Tiwari at tackle both ways, Murphy at fullback and outside linebacker, Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker, Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker and Reilly Flynn at tackle.
"I thought Gabe Hull played well defensively (at end), Cullen Flynn (inside linebacker) and Matt Henderson (cornerback-safety)," Kennedy added.
The Panthers' next public showing will be the scrimmage Friday at Fred Huff Field against Center Grove's potent Trojans. That starts at 7 p.m.
LOTS OF HELP
Kennedy liked all the help South has been getting from the Quarterback Club and other volunteers. "They're taking pride in what we've got," he said. "It's greatly appreciated." Among the recent projects were painting the weight room and landscaping areas around the field.
BALL CONTROL HIS PHILOSOPHY
Kennedy's license plate reads: 1st down. That's his idea of how to play offense - he wants to control the ball.