40 varsity players turn out for A-J practice

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School football team officially started practice for the 2009 season Wednesday morning, Aug. 12.

Forty players turned out for the varsity squad, including 8 seniors, 16 juniors and 16 sophomores.

Twenty-six players turned out for freshman practice.

“We’ve got some good athletes returning,” A-J football head coach Brett Detering said. “The ones we have back have got some good experience.”

Five of the eight seniors returning this year were two-way starters on last season’s team which qualified for the postseason playoffs.

The Wildcats advanced to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs last season and finished 9-2. They were 10-1 during the previous season.

The Wildcats are preparing for their season opener, which is scheduled at West Frankfort Friday, Aug. 28.

A-J opens its home season Sept. 11 against Massac County.