Ackerman looks to build off last season's football success

May 29, 2012

Ackerman football coach Adam Dillinger, right, was pleased with his team's effort during spring practice. (Photo by Kim Murrell, SDN)

The Ackerman High School football team is looking to build off last year's first place finish in Class 2A, Region 2.

After the Indians finished up spring practice, head coach Adam Dillinger was pleased with his team's effort and saw a good amount of carry over from last season.

"I thought we had a good three weeks," Dillinger said. "We worked on some depth which is one of our core issues. Our kids got after it. They were excited about spring, they were excited about going into the offseason and the upcoming season."

Dillinger could not single out any person who stepped up, but he did see a good spring from his defensive front.

"I thought up front defensively our unit on the defensive line looked really good at times. They showed a lot of promise for us."

For a team like Ackerman which focuses on defense, that is a good sign. Dillinger doesn't see that changing this season.

"We are always try to be a defensive first team," Dillinger said. "That is our philosophy. We will stay that way. We just got to keep getting on the low side of the ball."

The Indians lost seven seniors from last year's squad. Dillinger is excited about the seniors for this year and doesn't expect much drop off.

"Our whole senior class has done a good job," Dillinger said. "They are all stepping forward and showing leadership. I think we got a good group."

Maybe the biggest buzz around the high school and the sports program is the fact that Weir High School could combine with Ackerman.

The Lions finished at .500 in their district and the middle of the pack, but if you add them to the Ackerman football program that has to make for a good team.

It is not official yet and is something that Dillinger said he doesn't focus on, but you have to think he does because he is also the athletic director.

If Weir does combine with Ackerman, it has to help the football program.
"I really don't know," Dillinger said. "Until it happens, we are focused on the kids we have right now. We will cross that bridge when we get there."

(Editor's Note: This story is the fifth in a series recapping spring practice for various high schools in the area. West Oktibbeha will be highlighted to close the series on Thursday.)