Seahawk linemen get down and dirty at camp

They call it the Down and Dirty Lineman Camp for a reason. You spend a lot of time down on the ground and you most certainly get dirty!

We are proud to say that five Franklin County Varsity football players participated and survived the three-day camp held the weekend of June 26. This camp is said to be one of the toughest football camps in America. Over 20 college and 25 high school coaches ran the combination of offensive run/pass and defensive run/pass drills that make the camp a real deal player maker.

This camp was organized by Bishop-Dullaghan, the largest nationwide network of football camps, overseen by retired Wheaton College coach J.R. Bishop, and Dick Dullaghan, retired coach of Ben Davis High School, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The camp was held on the campus of Stetson University in Deland.

The five Seahawks, along with 373 other aspiring high school linemen paid $290 per camper to be challenged and coached both physically and psychologically. The players were carried down by myself and Seahawks offensive and defensive line coach Robert Vansickle. We gave up our weekend to be with our players; because we knew they needed our support. We knew, having attended several B&D camps that this would be a real test for our players. “Coach V” and I preached to our players about the mental toughness necessary to survive this camp. Coach Vansickle let each one of them know that even though there would be several points when they would want to give up, go home or head to the injury/ice cream tent, that they could not let themselves do that.

And they DID NOT. The three-day camp was made up of seven two-hour sessions that concluded with a competition event for the final workout. Three of the five players lost their breakfast, lunch or dinner during some of the workouts, but rallied to compete and finish each and every workout. “We were extremely pleased with how far we have come along with our competitive spirit. We grew up a lot competing against the urge to quit and the battle of beating the opponent across from us,” said Vansickle.

Our team goal is to take as many as 12 dedicated linemen down to camp in the next few years. The players that participated in this summer’s camp included senior Shaq Ray, junior Buddy Davidson and sophomores Chase Golden, LaDarius Rhodes and Karl Sanford. Shaq drew a lot of positive attention to himself at the camp with his size and extreme hustle. Buddy Davidson showed the most success in the run blocking stations and down blocks. Chase Golden represented Franklin well with a top 10 finish in the board drills. LaDarius Rhodes got some recognition for his pass rushing techniques, while Karl Sanford won his first round of the board drills. We wish that the rest of the team could have witnessed what these five players went through. We feel they have raised the standard of team commitment.

Several of the skill players also have camp plans in the coming July weeks, along with three “7 vs. 7” passing tournaments. These camps and events not only enhance player abilities, but also create positive college bound exposure. Our staff is fully aware of the economic times in our community and wants to extend a sincere thanks to the many area businesses and people that have helped sponsor many of these campers. Our community support is a great reflection of the level of pride that the people of Franklin County have in the young people that are involved in high school athletics.

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Daily varsity football workouts will continue up until the first official practice date on Monday, August 9. Those workouts are Monday through Friday from 9 until 10 a.m., and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 until 6 p.m. There will be a mandatory Parent-Player meeting in the gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. following the first official practice on Monday, August 9.

Middle School students interested in playing football this fall for the Franklin County Seahawks MS squad should sign-up at school during the first two days of school. The first Middle School practice will be held after the third day of school, August 25. There will be a mandatory parent and player meeting held at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium following the first official Middle School practice on Wednesday, Aug. 25. Any questions regarding either football program call Coach Wright at 670-2800 Ext. 3555.

Josh Wright is the head football coach and athletic director at Franklin County High School.