Britt likes Eagles' work ethic

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on August 3, 2013 11:04 PM

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astevens@newsargus.com

Higher expectations led to a busy summer around Branch Pope Field.

Following its trip to the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A (small-school) state playoffs last season, Rosewood has been hard at work in the offseason. A majority of the players completed 14 conditioning workouts prior to the first official practice on Thursday.

Roughly 48 varsity and JV players turned out for the first two days of practice as Rosewood focused on offense, defense and conditioning. An experienced group seasoned by last year's postseason run has quickly grasped the concepts and terminology being taught by Rosewood's coaching staff.

"The biggest thing is teaching the new kids the terminology," Eagles' head coach Robert Britt said. "We're excited to have a bunch of kids back with game experience from last year. We're putting in our offense and we've been able to move fairly quickly. I don't know if we're ahead of the game, but we're definitely on schedule.

"Coming off last year's playoff run to the third round the expectations are to try to do a little better."

Quarterback Jacob Sasser returns to guide a Rosewood offense that averaged 34 points a contest in its final six games of last season. Sasser is surrounded by a talented group of returning skill players including receiver Jamari McGowan.

The Eagles plan to stick with the wing-T formation this season, while the nuances of the offense remain a work in progress.

"We're evolving offensively," Britt said. "Offense as to evolve to fit your personnel. You might add some plays and plays you used the year before you might get rid of. I think having Jacob back after he got 13 starts under his belt last season is big for us. Jacob knows what our goal is offensively and he has a better understanding of what the pass protections need to be for us.

"Skill-wise I think we're going to be OK and we will be able to attack all areas of the field."