Summer ball proving to be invaluable for Hoover football
There aren’t going to be any surprises during summer ball for the Hoover High football team.
Under the watch of new coach Terrance Jones, Hoover learned immediately what it can expect on and off the field.
A strict disciplinarian with a military background, Jones has put his initial fingerprints into trying to mold Hoover. Summer practice is a crucial juncture to comprehend the goals Jones has put on the table.
Jones, who served in the Navy, takes over for Matt Andersen, who coached the team the previous four seasons. Jones was the junior varsity coach last season and was the offensive coordinator under Andersen from 2013-16.
“A lot of these guys have known me during their time here,” said Jones, who was named head coach in February and who took over so Andersen could focus on being the school’s athletic director. “We have right around 50 players, some of whom are seniors and the rest being sophomores and juniors.
“We are big on accountability and integrity. We tell them what we have in store and we expect them to follow through on those expectations. We started summer practice July 10 and we’ll go through July 28. It’s a great opportunity to see where we are at and make it not seem like a job they hate.”
Hoover finished 4-6, 1-6 in the Pacific League for sixth place last season. The Tornadoes started off last season with three straight victories for the first time since 1958. Hoover will begin its season Aug. 25 with a road game against Dymally.
Until then, there’s plenty of time for the players to adjust to what Jones, 30, and his assistants ask.
“We’re looking to keep the morale very high,” Jones said. “They’ve spent time in the weight room lifting and it sets them up to come out to the field and go over the different drills.
“The one thing we’ve seen is that the players are eager to come to practice. They are ready to follow instructions and they’ve been responsible. It comes down to discipline. It’s easier to build a stronger boy than it is to repair a broken man.”
Jones has doled out plenty of responsibilities to his coaching staff, who are making sure the players are up to speed.
It’s already made an impact.
“Our coaches are strict but fair and that’s great,” said Hoover senior receiver/defensive back Maurice Herrera, who was bestowed with All-Area and all-league recognition last season. “They want all of us to succeed, on and off the field. They tell you what they need you to do and you follow their directions.
“Summer practices are huge because you see what your strengths and weaknesses are and you have time to improve. The practices have been uptempo. People are listening. That makes it a lot easier to get through things.”
Hoover junior quarterback/receiver Andrew Rangel agreed.
“You have to be willing to put in the work and that will give you a better chance at being successful,” Rangel said. “You want to be in position where you are rolling as a team.
“Without summer practices, you aren’t going to be nearly as sharp and your season can go to waste.”
Allen Melikyan, a senior defensive end/linebacker and standout wrestler, said there are plenty of perks being a part of summer sessions.
“It’s a lot like a job in that you are expected to show up and perform,” he said. “If you can learn and perform, then everything will fall in to place.
“It’s just a great way to build integrity.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
