New era, new look '07
BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com

More than 120 kids came out to the first day of football practice at Gulf Breeze High on Monday. The players played in shirts, shorts and helmets, with today marking their first in full pads.

This year is new in several ways. It'll be the first in coach Chris Nemith's five years that someone else other than Brad McGuire will be the team's play-caller.

It'll also be the first in Nemith's tenure without a freshman football team. It was due to GBHS' inability to find qualified football coaches to teach the subjects the administration needed to fill. "We couldn't find enough people that met the requirements," said Nemith, adding that it wasn't a case of negligence on behalf of the school. The school held a parent meeting Wednesday regarding the school's position.

Nemith said the JV team will have a 10th grade and ninth grade units, with the best players getting the bulk of the playing time the second half of the season.

The 2007 season will also feature a new logo (see photo of assistant coach Randy Aydelott). The 'G' is in the shape of the University of Georgia's, as well as the Green Bay Packers.

Nemith said the school didn't have a universal logo and just felt like changing things up.

"I just think it's a little classier look - I like it," Nemith said.