Football finally back in action
0Written By: Russell Gordon
After off-season winter workouts, the UPIKE Bears finally returned to the field as Monday, March 28 marked the start of UPIKE football’s spring practices for the 2016 season. After an underachieving 2015 season that saw the Bears go 4-7, UPIKE hopes to regroup and create a foundation for success in the fall.
The spring session will consist of 14 practices and two scrimmages that culminate on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. for the spring game. The spring game will take place at Howard Field at the Hambley Athletic Complex.
2016 should prove to be an exciting year for the Bears. College football is a sport that takes place mostly on Saturdays; however, it is not unusual for a team to have one or two Thursday night games. The UPIKE Bears have three on their schedule, one of which is against the division one, FCS Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
With a returning nucleus of talent that includes an incumbent starting quarterback in Sani Warren, sophomore, and electrifying utility player Elijah Bell, sophomore, the Bears hope to turn things around and bring home an MSC championship. Bell will see time at slot receiver, running back, and as a versatile specialist player.
The Bears also return some key features on defense including safety Jack Hopkins, junior; and linebacker Arthur Williams, senior. Along with the returning additions, some players will see what their talents can do at different positions.
One of these players is R.J. Gordon, senior. Gordon saw action in five games as a quarterback in 2015, but in order to utilize his talents further, he will see time at receiver during spring practices.
“We are excited to get things going. Honestly, after these long weeks of workouts, I think we are all ready to get on the field and actually play some football. Season can’t come fast enough,” said Gordon.