As summer ticks away, the upcoming season is starting to look a little different for the Floyd Central Highlanders football team. As all of their previous quarterbacks are now graduating, the team has a tough decision about who will get that spot.
All the quarterbacks are trying to impress the coach equally, but only a few will outshine the others, and these spring practices gave them the opportunity to show off their skills.
“It can be anyone,” said senior Gunner Fortner. “Everyone looks really good, and I will be happy for whoever it is.”
While this spot will be competitive for the quarterbacks, the team still shows support for one another and comes together to
demonstrate sportsmanship.
Aside from the quarterback spot, the football team has been showing up this spring and early into the summer, putting in the work. Spring practices might sound like the average practice, but the evidence showed determination for success. They practiced three days a week, with sessions that included field time and weightlifting, including during the school day.
“Sometimes I look forward to conditioning because I know I’m gonna be able to push myself,” said junior Lukas Haverstcok.
The days they go down to the field look a little different for each player, depending on their position, including working on specific techniques for their position. For example, linemen practice blocking wide receivers and their routes; receivers work on backpedaling and ball security; and other positions work on their specific techniques as well, but one thing they’re all there to do is play and get better.
“We all work hard, get stronger, work on different muscle groups, and just overall try our best,” said senior Max Eichenberger.
More seasoned teammates share that they like to watch how the younger guys grow through times like these and see what they will really be able to bring to the team. Spring practices were also very good for the upcoming freshmen. The coaches haven’t gotten to really know them yet, so spring practice was the time to show their strengths not only on the field but also in their ability to build such a strong bond with the team.
“During spring training, I just like to be around all my friends I’ve grown up with and get to play football with all of them,” said senior Jaxson Stone.
Spring and summer practices are an opportunity for the team to build confidence heading into the season. There’s always one team Floyd can’t wait to beat, and for some, that’s their favorite part of the season.
“I can’t wait to beat New Albany,” said sophomore Mattox Johnston. FC controlled last season’s matchup, earning a 42-6 victory over the Bulldogs.
Pre-season practices give them the chance to build confidence, bonds, and strength to pull off this win and go down in history once again.
“I really hope we’re able to make it to November like last year,” said junior Asher Ogle.
This mentality is reflected in the culture being built on the team, with this year’s practice shirts donning the message “LATE NOVEMBER.”
The Highlanders went 10-2 in the 2025-26 season and swept the Hoosier Hills Conference 6-0. With the bar set high, several key positions, including quarterback, are still being sorted out as summer workouts continue. But regardless of who ultimately fills those roles, the team’s focus remains unchanged. The competition throughout the offseason is about finding the right pieces to help Floyd make another deep postseason run.
“Late November” is more than just a slogan on this year’s practice shirts. It’s a reminder of the standard the Highlanders have set for themselves. As players continue to compete for spots and build chemistry, their sights remain fixed on the same destination: playing for a championship when the season reaches its biggest stage.