Members of the Wheatmore football team gather near the end of a practice session this spring. (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record)
TRINITY – Members of Wheatmore’s football team went through spring workouts adjusting to new coach Jacob Sheffield.
“He’s bold. That’s the word,” said Johnathan Kelly, a standout linebacker and running back. “A good fit for us.”
Sheffield was hired to replace Philip Yarbrough, who opted to leave the position and take a teaching position in Davidson County in his hometown. Sheffield is a Trinity alum and most recently an assistant coach there, though he’s a former head coach at High Point Central.
Wheatmore, coming off back-to-back 2-8 seasons, is the only Randolph County high school with a new head coach in 2024.
“It’s not a rebuild to me,” Sheffield said. “Let’s get people in the right spots.”
There’s a new voice in charge and so spring workouts provided an opportunity to create familiarity for Sheffield and the players.
“I think it’s going to be good,” Kelly said. “He’s really bold. I think he’s going to keep us in check. You can tell people are listening.”
Rising junior Kase Wilson, a tight end, said he sensed the practices were a bit shorter.
“We’re still getting our work in,” Wilson said. “We’re pushing it a lot. We’re more efficient.”
There were about 30 players at most workouts.
“Our numbers are right about where we thought they’d be,” Sheffield said.
The Warriors had to improvise around weather issues and field conditions. That meant one practice session held on tennis courts.
Rising junior Dominic Hittepole, a running back and linebacker, said he’s looking forward to seeing what the Warriors can accomplish. He said more players on the roster might help the cause.
“Trying to get numbers back up,” Hittepole said. “Get your friends out here and tell them to try it.”
Kelly, a rising senior, said spring practices were a good chance to acclimate younger players who’ll be counted on this season regardless of how many players are suiting up.
“All the new people, we have to teach them,” Kelly said. “It’s usually short on numbers. We make what we can of it.”
Wilson wasn’t involved in all the spring football work because of his participation in track and field regionals. But he has been around Wheatmore football for years as his father, Ken Wilson, has been an assistant coach.
“I’ve been coming to the practice since the fifth grade,” Wilson said.
The Warriors open the season Aug. 23 at home vs. West Davidson.
