Ida continues to prep for football season without electricity (2024)

Ryan Loren|The Monroe News

Ida continues to prep for season without electricity

IDA –Over 700,000 DTE Energy customers lost power last week after a devastating storm swept through southeast Michigan.

That list included Ida High School.

While most of the lights around the Monroe County Region are back on, Ida remained in the dark on Monday as the football team prepared for its second week of preseason practices.

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"Our first week (of practice) presented some challenges," Ida coach Jeff Potter said. "We had one day of practice cancelled because of the storm that rolled through Wednesday and then we didn't have power the rest of the week. We still don't have power today."

Without power, the Blue Streaks have been limited in their usual approach to the start of the fall season. The locker room and weight room are off limits and film study is impossible.

"We're missing out on a few things and we're trying to make up for lost time out on the field," Potter said. "I actually think it's a good look for our kids to realize that there are things outside of our control. We just have to roll with it and try to improve."

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Senior running back-cornerback Owen Sampson said the team has enjoyed the extra time spent outside in pads, runningplays and going through drills, but the lack of film study has shifted preparations.

"We're not as prepared and don't have that same visual learning," Sampson said. "But we'll be able to see it all in practice with the scout team. That's just the way it is. We'll deal with it."

The lights might be off in the building, but there was still plenty of electricity on the field during practice Monday.

The team looked sharp and energetic as itran through a number of different blocking, tackling, and offensive drills. Even with limited capability, Potter said the team already was able to build a good base for the start of the season.

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"First week, we're looking to install things on offense and defense," Potter said. "In week two, we're trying to clean up mistakes we're making on both side of the football. We're trying to improve on the things we have in placeand get better at what we're doing."

Ida's offensive strength this season will be in the backfield with returningrunningbacks Sampson,Luke Levicki andJaedan Gianinoleading the change. Quarterback Nathan Miller also returns.

"Our line has only a couple returning starters, but we have kids with some potential, so we're just trying to fit our pieces together up front," Potter said.

VIDEO: Ida football runs drills at practice

Ida's varsity football team runs through blocking drills during practice on Monday, August 16, 2021.

The Monroe News

Nick Hovest will captain the defensive line. Austin Schafer, Ryan Johnston andLevicki return at linebacker.

"We have a little more depth on that side of the ball, a little more experience, so we'll see where that takes us," Potter said.

Ida finished the season 4-4 last year, falling to Blissfield in the District final. The Royals are the reigning Lenawee County Athletic Association champions and will be a tough challenge again this year.

But optimism is high in the darkened halls at Ida.

"We're going to win the league," Schafer said. "I think we can do that."

And limited practice is a lot better than no practice.

At this time last year, the football season was already shutdown by orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service due tothe COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's a lot better than last year," Schafer said. "Last year, we didn't get any of this. We have a major jump on last season. ... It was like starting all over again (when football resumed). You felt like you lost everything you gained. It was like starting two seasons in one, having to recondition and learn things all over again. It was terrible."

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Ultimately, this season's early challenges have paled in comparison to what the Blue Streaks went through last year. The players have learned to appreciate the time they get together.

"It's been great, it's a blast," Hovest said. "I'm just glad with COVID that we're actually out here and doing it all. Next week is not guaranteed. Nothing is guaranteed this year, so we're going to go out there and just do what we do best."

Thursday: Bedford