‘More than ready’ for fall: Baker football team bonds at FCA retreat

RIGHT: David Oglesby, 17, holds the football while awaiting a kick from Malcolm Griffith, 17, during practice this week at Baker School. Both players attended a three-day Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp last week in Marianna.    
BOTTOM: Baker School head football coach Matt Brunson — seen instructing his varsity football team during practice this week at Baker School — said the team's participation in last week's Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp in Marianna helped players come together.

BAKER — Attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp in Marianna last week has brought Baker School’s varsity football team closer together.

Thirty-six players and six coaches attended the three-day camp, which included scrimmages against other teams, team building exercises and spiritual activities after practice.

"We were there with nine different teams; it was the largest FCA camp (Marianna) had hosted," head football coach Matt Brunson said.

"I thought the kids bonded; they did a great job at competing," he said. "Overall, we had a great camp."

  Starting quarterback and rising sophomore John Beck, 16, agreed.

"Everyone came together as a team," he said, adding the camp helped the team prepare for the upcoming season.

"It’s definitely going to help us a lot," Beck said.

D.J. Thomas, 18, a rising senior who plays offense and defensive positions at running back, fullback and linebacker, commended players’ performance.

"We were out there getting it, being aggressive,” he said. "Our receivers were blocking well. The (offensive) line blocked wonderful."

In the following weeks, the team will practice in helmets and in football pads and gear, Thomas said.

"Our coaches have got us ready for the fall season," he said. "We're ready — we are more than ready."      

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘More than ready’ for fall: Baker football team bonds at FCA retreat