Here's how Bloomington area football teams are tackling the summer

Need a high school football fix before August gets here?

Bloomington North, South, Edgewood and Eastern Greene will be in action in several controlled scrimmages, both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 formats in June and July.

Each squad is allowed four days of competition against other schools, in addition to the limited conditioning, weightlifting and practice sessions days this summer. Keep in mind the entire roster is seldom there due to family vacations or other commitments that multisport athletes often have.

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Here's a look at where you can check out these Bloomington area teams:

Bloomington South

The Panthers were busy this week in a team camp at Indiana University.

Tuesday brought in Ben Davis, Franklin Central, Avon, Columbus North and two teams from Illinois. Thursday's lineup included 6A state champ Center Grove, Columbus North, Whiteland, Avon, Boonville, Arsenal Tech, Corydon and Eastern (Pekin).

Panther players did some individual work with IU coaches before teams were paired up for 7-on-7 and lineman competitions. A session of 11-on-11 followed with squads rotating against two teams in the morning and two more in the afternoon.

Looking ahead: South will head to New Palestine on Monday to workout against Columbus East and Greenwood. On July 18 at 4 p.m., the Panthers will play host to Edgewood and perhaps a couple more schools still to be determined.

Points of emphasis: While South has several young skill position players returning, it will need to build a new set of pass catchers around junior D'Andre Black. The Panthers must also replace four offensive line spots around a returning center.

"We want to see some really good competition," South coach Gabe Johnson said. "We want to put kids in competitive situations. We have enough talent on our roster to do that here, but it's always good to get exposed, to see some good team fronts and coach 'em up through that.

"And quite frankly, we want to get exposed a little bit, find out what we're good at and what needs to be addressed."

Bloomington North

The Cougars are not overly active in the summer scrimmage scene, with more emphasis on the aspects of preparation in regards to strength and conditioning.

"It's a fine line," North coach Scott Bless said. "We're still of the belief that we've got to build some bodies. We're going three times a week, two days in shells and one with no pads.

"It's a combination of speed work, individual technique and team install and reps. It's trying to find that balance to get the work in, getting guys physically ready and also not overdoing it."

Looking ahead: Next Thursday, the Cougars will be at Decatur Central with Castle and Speedway for a combination of 7-on-7, 11-on-11 and other competitive situations.

Points of emphasis: Finding a starting quarterback and replacements on the offensive and defensive lines. It shouldn't be for lack of choice as North has 130 players on its roster, a number Bless expects to rise by the open of official practice.

"It's going to be the largest team we've ever had," Bless said. "Which is exciting. We've had some success and I really think after the COVID year, kids being able to get back in the stands and get a look at it and see the games, they decided they want to be a part of that.

"We have a big freshman class, over 40, and an influx of 20 or so new sophomores, junior and seniors who didn't play last year. I think our seniors are a great group of young men who have done a good job representing the program."

Edgewood

It's been a completely different summer for second-year head coach Caleb True and for his players, too. There's several more eyes on the ball this year, so better attention to detail can only make things better for the Mustangs.

"No. 1, coming in and redeveloping our staff so there's more than just me and three other guys like last summer," True said. "We've got nine coaches now.

"We've got great experience at defensive coordinator with (former Eastern Greene head coach) Roy Bruce. He brought Josh Dodds, his linebackers coach, with him. We also have Matt Murphy on the offensive side."

Edgewood also has 10 starters back on offense, losing a receiver to graduation, so there's plenty of experience back even though it's still young.

Looking ahead: June 23, Eastern Greene comes to the red turf for some 11-on-11 scrimmaging at 6 p.m. On June 30, Edgewood heads to Paoli, along with Forest Park and Salem at 6 for more 11-on-11. And Mustangs will head to South on July 18, with a couple more possible opponents to be determined.

Points of emphasis: There's a slightly new look to the defense, with Bruce's 4-4 look replacing last year's 4-2-5. And the offense will be looking to produce more yardage out of the shotgun with senior Jakob Lanning, back from his injury, and sophomore Jacob Murphy vying for the QB spot. But the big thing is confidence.

"From the start of summer, that's what we've been preaching," True said. "We have experience that other teams don't. Most of them have started. Those sophomores are now juniors and they bring that experience back.

"We've beefed up the line and we've got guys plugged into the right spots."

Eastern Greene

New head coach Travis Wray is beginning the process of introducing his system and expectations has about 32 or so showing up regularly for workouts with several multi-sport athletes in the mix.

The T-Birds are lifting four days a week in the evenings and two days stay after to work on installing the offense and defense. Add confidence to that list.

"The big thing obviously was getting my staff put together and showing these guys they can be successful," Wray said. "Teaching and coaching them up and showing them we care. Our motto is to be as positive as possible in changing their mindset."

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Looking ahead: June 23 at Edgewood for 11-on-11 competition. June 29, Eastern heads to Princeton (whose new head coach worked with the defensive backs at Evansville North when Wray was there) to join Evansville schools Bosse and Mater Dei.

On July 19, Eastern will welcome Dugger Union, West Vigo and Tell City.

"I'm excited to see what we've got," Wray said. "Going up against Mater Dei, then Bosse with its speed and Princeton's physicality. We want to test the guys."

Points of emphasis: No. 1 is physical play. Eastern's well stocked with skill players on offense, but can the line get the job done for them and the defense get stops? No. 2 is the goldfish memory thing. Make a mistake, move on.

"We're putting it on them, how physical can we be?" Wray said. "We return a lot of guys with varsity reps and our junior class is our largest, 16, 17 kids and almost all of them have varsity experience, which is a blessing and a curse, because of having to play that much so young.

"This summer, we're looking at the line. We have to be physical and if we make mistakes, go to the next play. It's those little things we're working through."

Contact Jim Gordillo at jgordillo@heraldt.com and follow on Twitter @JimGordillo.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Here's how Bloomington area football teams are tackling the summer