Tiger gridiron work (really) 'means something now'

A Caruthersville High School wide receiver catches a pass during a drill on Monday at the Tigers' initial official practice of the 2024 season.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

CARUTHERSVILLE – After conducting 25 strength-training sessions, 18 practices, a 7-on-7 scrimmage, and a regular another scrimmage during the past two months, the Caruthersville High School football practice was ready to raise its level of intensity on Monday.

“It means something now,” third-year Tiger coach Dom Guglielmo said following the workout. “Summer practices are important, don’t get me wrong, but there is nothing like the regular season.”

The Tigers joined every other MSHSAA athletic program on Monday by conducting its first official practice of the 2024 season, and Guglielmo said everybody brought an eagerness to work.

“The energy and effort were there,” Guglielmo said. “The coaches brought a different level of intensity than in the summertime, which really raised the kids.”

Caruthersville enters this season with high expectations after winning seven games last fall, which was the most since 2019 (9 victories). A big part of that success was an improved offense, which averaged nearly 36 points per game.

“We have so many returners, and we finally have the (offensive) system put in,” Guglielmo explained, “when I watch the offense now, I am looking for skill growth.”

That was evident Monday, as Tiger assistant coach Joey Middleton continued to harp on arm position with the quarterbacks during one drill session.

Caruthersville returns three-year starter Ryan Guest to that position, and Guglielmo said his continued development is a point of focus for the coach.

“I want to see Ryan advancing through his reads,” Guglielmo explained. “I want to see the little things be perfect. We know where we were during the summer.

“It is really important to take those (summer) notes and make sure that we are getting better.”

Caruthersville will open the regular season on August 30 at 7 p.m. at home against St. Pius X (Festus).