Marble Falls Faith football team to learn new playbook from new head coach
CAPTION: Karter Van Gundy is one playmaker returning to compete for the Flames in 2023. Photo by Stennis Shotts
On the very last day of July, the Faith Academy of Marble Falls football team will once again convene at Britton Field to begin preparations for the 2023 season.
But unlike previous years, a new head coach will be leading them. Top of John Hallam’s priority list is installing the new offense and defense when the Flames take the field at 7 a.m. Monday, July 31.
Coaches are preparing for 16-20 players.
Among the most crucial elements to learning the system, Hallam said, is getting the players used to how they are given information.
“The play calling will be done differently,” he said. “We’ll be evaluating talent and figuring out where guys play.”
The Flames will be wearing helmets, T-shirts and shorts during the first part of the week. They’ll also have special guests Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 1-2. Austin Veritas will bring its players at 7 a.m. Tuesday to go through drills and other work.
“We’ll compete, we’ll coach them up together,” Hallam said. “We’ll practice together and divide the rotation. These are new contacts and different coaches. It’s a good way to spend the early part of the week. Veritas is a young team this year.”
On the second day, the teams will have a 6-on-6 tournament with time still to be determined.
“We’ll do the touch tournament and have the community come out and get some friendly competition,” the coach said. “Players learn from each other. It is good that way. Coaches talk about things and teach things differently. It’s another way to build and grow.”
The number of Flames on the varsity roster will impact the junior varsity. Hallam said he wants the underclassmen “to get legitimate game experience.” He is used to coaching teams that have around 20 players, noting they have won championships.
The coach added that he has told fans not to expect to see the 45-point mercy rule be in effect and to prepare to stay for four quarters at the beginning of the season. In six-man football if a team is leading by 45 points by halftime, the game is over.
“Don’t expect that from us early in the season,” he said. “Guys (the underclassmen) are going to play early in the season.”
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