Meaningful football may not be played for a few more months, but the foundation for a successful 2016 began during spring practice and will continue into summer conditioning.

Jemison spent much of the spring trying to figure out who will replace the void at quarterback after the graduation of Phillip Lenoir.

“He (Lenoir) was about 60 percent of our offense,” Jemison head coach Van Clements said.

However, Clements feels comfortable that who ever wins the starting job will have the reassurance of sitting behind an experienced offensive line.

The quarterback battle will continue into the fall, after Jemison’s scheduled spring jamboree on May 20 against Thorsby was cancelled.

“If we would have played the spring game, we probably would have already named a starter,” Clements said.

For many coaches and teams throughout the area, the spring offers a chance to develop a new cast of senior leaders and gives an idea about depth and team identity.

“Every position is open, and you’ve got to go out and perform,” McLean said. “We got a chance to look at a lot of guys.”

According to McLean, the Bears are deep along both the offensive and defensive lines.

“We’ve got a lot of guys back, but we’re going to have to develop those leadership roles,” McLean said.

Chilton County wrapped up its spring practice with an intra-squad scrimmage, while Billingsley tied Montgomery Catholic at 23-all and Verbena traveled down to Samson.

Two-time defending Class 1A state champion Maplesville continued with business as usual, which includes conditioning that takes place throughout the year.

Isabella spent the spring interviewing and introducing former Maplesville assistant coach Tate Leonard as the school’s new head football coach and athletic director.

Leonard’s goal is to hit the ground running and implement a rejuvenated mindset and work ethic for the entire athletic program.

“We’re going to be all about doing the little things right,” Leonard said. “I want us to deserve victory.”

Chilton County, Jemison, Billingsley, Isabella and Thorsby will open the season on Aug. 19, while Verbena will kick things off on Aug. 26 and Maplesville on Sept. 2.