Following Day Two of summer football drills, Forrest City Mustang Coach Donnie Willis has decided to wait one more day before asking his players to go twice each day.
Last week, Willis said the 2004 Mustangs would go to two-a-day practice sessions on Thursday. That has been pushed back to Friday.
Forrest City, working in shorts and helmets, completed their second day of drills this morning, ending with running the basics on defense and offense.
The Mustangs, who lost more than 20 seniors from last years team, will have to be fundamentally sound and quick this year.
The size just isn't there and at most positions, neither is the experience factor.
A year ago, the Mustangs averaged close to 300 pounds along the lines. That won't be the case this season.
"We are not very big," Willis said. "We have some athletes who have some ability but we don't have much size. And we are young, very young in a lot of areas."
The Mustangs are working no less than three quarterbacks into the mix this year, returning starter Ben Horton, Marcus Fair and Wilson Parker.
Junior Jimmy Bean may be the biggest Mustang on the field this year coming in a right around 290.
Willis said each athlete brings his own dimension and ability to the table.
Horton will also be counted on at linebacker to help anchor a young defensive unit.
Willis said there are several Mustang players who have not reported yet and are listed as "missing in action."
He expects them to be on the practice field eventually.
"I think they wilt be out but when they do get here, they are going to be behind and will have to play catch up," Willis said. "And once you miss two or three practices, it's hard to catch up."
Forrest City opens it season on Sept. 3, when they host Poplar Bluff, Mo. The AAAAA-Conference season starts Sept. 24.
The Forrest City Junior Mustangs, eighth and ninth-grade students, will begin summer football drills Friday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m.
Head Coach Rich Trail said the team has about 40 players signed up, but expects that number to hit at least 60. The team opens the season on Thursday, Sept. 2.
Forrest City's Oak Hill Church of God will host a "3-on-3" half-court boys' basketball tournament, Saturday, Aug. 28, in the church gym.
The tournament will use a double elimination style bracket.
Age divisions include fifth-sixth grade; seventh-ninth grade and 10th-12th grade.
Teams can have four members, three players and one alternate and the entry fee is $40 per team.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, Aug. 25.
For more information or to enter, call 870-238-0022.