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MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. Coach Ric Wright's Mount Vernon High School football team returned home Tuesday from summer camp in Pennsylvania, but Wednesday was just another work day for the Knights.
"We worked very hard while we were away," Wright said. "Getting the team away helps with focusing on all aspects of the game and they did work hard. But we don't have a lot of time before our scrimmage this week, so they have to get back into it quickly."
The Knights, who are poised to improve on last year's disappointing 2-7 record, spent a week at a Lake Como retreat working on getting their offensive and defensive schemes set. With 15 seniors back from last year's group, Wright hopes the intensity he saw at camp will continue through to the regular season opener at Carmel under the lights Sept. 7.
Returning senior quarterback Anthony Green will lead the offense and the defense will be keyed by seniors David Watkins, LaDre Milburn, Chris Anoff and Lamont Albert.
"We can't have letdowns," Wright said. "Talent isn't enough. We have a required amount of practices needed to qualify players for scrimmages and then games. So, when kids miss practices, it can be a problem."
Wright pounced on each mistake and lack of hustle during Wednesday's afternoon practice session with Thursday's scrimmage at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx looming.
"The camp was successful and the guys needed a day to recover from the week and the trip," Wright said. "But they have to be ready for the scrimmages. This will be a good test to see where we are."
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