By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
ROBERSONVILLE — It was only their third day of practice, but already Redskins’ coach Brian Paschal said he likes what he has seen from his football team.
Roanoke, which finished 10-4 last year and made it to the fourth round of the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs before falling to eventual state champions Plymouth, will have to recover from the loss of their starting fullback Savion Hudson, and quarterback Alonza Higgs.
While those are big shoes to fill, Paschal said he has had some pleasant surprises at practice so far.
Cooper had a quality season last year for the Redskins, and Paschal said he expects even more from him this year.
As of now, Cooper looks like strong candidate to take over Hudson’s old role as primary ball handler, while Amos Perkins is the leading choice to play quarterback.
While some of the questions on offense are beginning to be answered, Paschal said he still needs to evaluate his defense.