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Colts set to open season

PHILIPPI — Cooler temperatures are expected by kickoff tonight as Philip Barbour will take on Grafton at McKinney Field, home of the Bearcats.

The Colts are looking to come out hungry and put in a full four quarters of work as PB is in search of its first win in several years. Philip Barbour has some depth at certain positions, and today’s game will be filled with opportunities for young players looking to make a name for themselves.

“The kids are excited. It’s Grafton,” first-year PBHS head coach Russ Collett said. “It doesn’t matter who’s coaching, they’re going to get excited for Grafton. I think Grafton is the same way. We’ve had continued enthusiasm through our final week of preparation for the regular season getting ready to start. For us as a new coaching staff, we’re still learning.”

In traditional fashion at a Thursday practice before a Friday game, the Colts were dressed in “spirit pack” apparel — shorts and a T-shirt. The players still wore helmets as a reminder of what they are trying to do at full speed during a walk-through, in preparation for today’s full-on clash.

Up until Thursday, the majority of PB’s practices included players wearing full gear and drilling every possible minute they could in order to get into game shape for week one against the Bearcats.

“Today was a new day for them, we did some things a little differently because on Thursday you polish,” Collett said. “So practice is not the same as normal. We had a few little bumps here and there, but I think it was more organizational-wise. I think the team understands the scheme, I think they know where we’re going, I think we’re pretty aggressive and we’re pretty happy with it.”

Philip Barbour’s chief motto this season is the single word “Together.” Collette said the community support has been great, and the players always need fans in the stands.

“The message that we tell our guys is that number one, we got to play together,” he said. “We have a big banner in the locker room that says ‘Together’, that’s the number one goal. Also very important is you have to be aggressive. I’m not sure how that’s going to go, but if we are as aggressive as we have looked in practice I think we are going to be all right. The team is pretty excited, so I think it’s going to be a good game.

“It’s always important to have fans out for the kids no matter where they are playing,” Collett added. “I’ve been several different places and the support (here) so far is unparalleled. The people are excited. I run into alumni everyday that come back to the school and tell us they are coming to the game.

“Regardless, win or lose at Grafton, these kids have worked hard in the pre-season,” said Collett. “That being said, win or lose, I’d like to see lots of folks come out to reward the kids’ efforts, and I’m sure they will. I’m confident that’s going to happen.”

An official game ball will be in circulation today at Grafton High School when the visiting Colts and the hosting Bearcats get it on once again in Big 10 Conference AA matters beginning at 7 p.m. tonight.

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