By Tom Peavy

Published: May 8, 2008

LOACHAPOKA — Despite warm weather and a spring storm bearing down, it was football season in Loachapoka.

The Indians played host to three teams for a spring jamboree as each prepare for the 2008 season, which begins in a little over three months.

With each contest going one full half, Lanett played LaFayette in the day’s first game and then took on Loachapoka.

LaFayette followed with a half against Reeltown while Loachapoka closed the night with a half against Reeltown.

For all coaches taking part, the night was an early glimpse at what they had to work with for the upcoming season.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” said Loachapoka head coach Jerome Tate, moments after his team fell to Lanett, 8-6. “We worked this spring on installing a new offense and not so much on defense.

“There’s just a few little minor adjustments we need to make here and there, but I feel good about what we have.”

The Indians got a first look at Patrick Moore, who is expected to replace Terrence Webb under center for the Indians. While Moore threw a pair of interceptions, he also showed the explosiveness he possesses with his feet.

“Patrick is going to be fine,” Tate said. “I’d rather for him to throw the interceptions now than in a regular-season ballgame.”

Lanett was also getting a glimpse at a new quarterback to replace Lemarcus Wright, as well as a new stable of weapons to try and replace the other playmakers that ended their careers last season.

“We’ve only had three days to practice with all of them because most of them have been with the track team,” Lanett coach Ronnie Sikes said. “We’ve got the line and running backs back, so we knew we could run the ball.

“As far as quarterback, we’ve got one who wants to do it and wants to be good, a ninth grader named Deontrell Stillman.”

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