A Slightly Different Approach

Aynor's Jody Jenerette is done taking chances.

In a departure from the norm, the Blue Jackets' coach isn't going to wait for later in the season to quell the potential for injuries during practices. It's August 30, and Jenerette has already eliminated full contact drills.

"People might call us soft, but we don’t practice in full pads any more," Jenerette said. "We have (only) six lineman who can get in a stance right now."

The Class AA school's roster is hovering around 45 players. And without much depth, the Blue Jackets can't afford to risk losing guys like tailbacks DeVonte Kinlaw or Tony Green. Or any of those few lineman, or a couple linebackers, etc., etc., etc.

Aynor (2-0 heading into this week's game with Green Sea Floyds) has a chance to start 3-0 for the first time in more than a decade. More importantly, Jenerette knows his team has no shot at a playoff berth if even just a couple of his key players succumbs to injury.

"It’s totally against what I’ve done in the past, but I’m tired of seeing my guys on the sideline," he said.

The Blue Jackets have lucked out during wins against Lake View and Creek Bridge when it comes to players getting hurt. The same can't be said for the preseason.

Linebacker Phil Doyle sustained significant damage to a disk in his neck on the first day of contact drills during fall camp. Doyle, maybe the best defender in an Aynor uniform, will be re-evaluated Sept. 12 or Sept. 13 and could potentially return to the lineup as soon as a Sept. 18 game at Hilton Head Prep.

That's as far as Jenerette was will to stretch his luck.

But to see just how unusual that stance is, take a Georgetown and quarterback Patrick Ward. Ward broke a bone on the outside of his throwing hand during the week of the Bulldogs' season opener.

He was originally told he would require surgery and would miss his entire senior season. He shrugged off doctor's advice and is playing through the pain. Georgetown coach Bradley Adams doesn't normally allow a lot of contact between his defense and quarterbacks during practice.

When it does happen, though, Adams said it is "part of the game."

So again, Jenerette's stance isn't exactly the blue print for area coaches. In his mind, though, as long as his players are healthy and his team keeps winning, the strategy is working.

***

For more updates on injuries from around the area, including Conway QB Mykal Moody, check out Tuesday's On High Schools Column in The Sun News. There's also a quick look at the Green Sea Floyds-Aynor matchup, one where two 2-0 schools will be fighting for a rare shot at 3-0.

***

Have you started following The Sun News Sports Department on Twitter, yet? If not, look deep inside your soul and find the answer that will make your days a little more interesting.

We post continual updates on Friday nights from all our area games, including my trip to Green Sea Floyds this week for the Trojans' game against Aynor.

Follow along, @TSN_SportsNews.

"People might call us soft, but we don’t practice in full pads any more," Jenerette said. "We have (only) six lineman who can get in a stance right now."

The Class AA school's roster is hovering around 45 players. And without much depth, the Blue Jackets can't afford to risk losing guys like tailbacks DeVonte Kinlaw or Tony Green. Or any of those few lineman, or a couple linebackers, etc., etc., etc.

Aynor (2-0 heading into this week's game with Green Sea Floyds) has a chance to start 3-0 for the first time in more than a decade. More importantly, Jenerette knows his team has no shot at a playoff berth if even just a couple of his key players succumbs to injury.

"It’s totally against what I’ve done in the past, but I’m tired of seeing my guys on the sideline," he said.

The Blue Jackets have lucked out during wins against Lake View and Creek Bridge when it comes to players getting hurt. The same can't be said for the preseason.

Linebacker Phil Doyle sustained significant damage to a disk in his neck on the first day of contact drills during fall camp. Doyle, maybe the best defender in an Aynor uniform, will be re-evaluated Sept. 12 or Sept. 13 and could potentially return to the lineup as soon as a Sept. 18 game at Hilton Head Prep.

That's as far as Jenerette was will to stretch his luck.

But to see just how unusual that stance is, take a Georgetown and quarterback Patrick Ward. Ward broke a bone on the outside of his throwing hand during the week of the Bulldogs' season opener.

He was originally told he would require surgery and would miss his entire senior season. He shrugged off doctor's advice and is playing through the pain. Georgetown coach Bradley Adams doesn't normally allow a lot of contact between his defense and quarterbacks during practice.

When it does happen, though, Adams said it is "part of the game."

So again, Jenerette's stance isn't exactly the blue print for area coaches. In his mind, though, as long as his players are healthy and his team keeps winning, the strategy is working.

***

For more updates on injuries from around the area, including Conway QB Mykal Moody, check out Tuesday's On High Schools Column in The Sun News. There's also a quick look at the Green Sea Floyds-Aynor matchup, one where two 2-0 schools will be fighting for a rare shot at 3-0.

***

Have you started following The Sun News Sports Department on Twitter, yet? If not, look deep inside your soul and find the answer that will make your days a little more interesting.

We post continual updates on Friday nights from all our area games, including my trip to Green Sea Floyds this week for the Trojans' game against Aynor.

Follow along, @TSN_SportsNews.