By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
The pads came out today for the Forrest City Mustangs.
After three days in shorts and helmets, the Mustangs put on full pads today and will do some "light hitting."
Third year head coach Donnie Willis says his Mustangs are "progressing."
"I think the kids are learning at the pace they need to be learning," Willis said. "Now we will go a little harder but we will still take our time and make sure they're grasping everything that we're throwing out. We're going to find out who will and who won't and who can and who can't."
The Mustangs are headed toward a Saturday morning intrasquad scrimmage following team and individual pictures at 8:30 a.m.
Willis said the numbers are running from 60-to-70 players and he expects a few more to filter in over the next few days.
"We are doing a lot of looking at the younger guys," Willis said. "The experienced players, the ones we need to be in the house, have been here and that's a plus. Now it's time to ring the bell and see how some of the others respond."
The two Forrest City junior high football teams hit the practice field for the first time on Wednesday.
Blue Mustang Coach Rich Trail said he had about 37 show up for the first day, but added he is missing some key returning players.
"Some are still not back from summer trips and other things and we have a few who are hurt," Trail said. "They need some more time to heal before they can get out here and go."
Trail is taking over the Blue team reigns this year, replacing Chuck Sartin, who moved up to assist with the high school football team. Trail will be assisted by Barry Hodges.
Stan Siler returns to head coach the White Mustangs and will be assisted by incoming coach Sonny Shields.
Siler said he had about 35 on the field for practice on Wednesday.
The Blue team opens the season on Aug. 30 while the White Mustangs open a week later on Sept. 6.