Post by The Grim Reaper on Jan 13, 2008 15:38:51 GMT -5
Phantoms hold final tryout
No promises, no excuses.
And most importantly — no tomorrows.
In weather more suited for mowing the lawn or taking the kids to the park, nearly 30 players spent Saturday at The Byrnes Schools making the most of their final opportunity to play indoor football for the Florence Phantoms.
Almost every member of last year’s team still is fighting for a roster spot, including former South Florence standout Torrey Pettigrew. Pettigrew felt that he had made the team as a wide receiver but said the Phantoms should pick the best possible player for the job.
“As far as fighting for a spot is concerned, I don’t believe I should have a spot because I played last year,” he said. “It’s all about who the best players are, and may the best man win.
“If I’m picked, I want to help this team win a championship.”
Lindsey Robertson was signed to the Phantoms for the final three games of last season to help fill out a secondary ravaged by injuries and poor play.
The former Wilson star has attended every tryout and knows not only what he needed to do to make the team, but also what he can do to stay on it.
“I have to go out there, practice hard and leave everything out on the field. That’s all anyone can ask of anyone,” Robertson said. ““I can bring intensity and heart to (Florence’s secondary). I’m a threat. If I am on defense, we can lock it down.”
Phantoms kicker and all-purpose back Colby Wright is one of two players from last year’s roster that is signed for this season.
Despite knowing he is on the team, the Lake City native knows his spot is not guaranteed.
“You have to come out and perform your best. If you don’t, you won’t have a spot,” said Wright, who played wide receiver and defensive back in addition to his kicking duties in 2007. “You have to impress the coaches.”
When he was named coach of the Phantoms, Carlos Clayton emphasized that there would be some major changes in everything the team did; especially in the way it was built.
Clayton was named American Indoor Football Association coach of the year in 2007 with the now-defunct Montgomery Bears, and he wants to bring that same intensity to Florence.
“Nothing is going to be promised to (these players). (Last year’s players’) attitude is giddy like they’re already on the team,” he said. “I want to see if they’re ready for the next level like they say they are.
“I’m not going to give them anything. Whatever they get out here, they’re going to earn it.”
