HARVEST— Jeff Pugh is well aware of the tasks he’ll be facing this season.

Now entering his third year as the head football coach at East Limestone High, Pugh is having to rebuild a program that was hit hard by graduation. And if that task isn’t daunting enough for the Indians’ coach, try moving up a classification and being added to one of the toughest regions in Class 5A.

“It’s probably one of the toughest regions in the state, top to bottom,” Pugh said. “But I really feel like the guys will respond well. With the way East Limestone is growing, we saw the move coming and is one of the reasons we decided to start scheduling Athens. After the win against them last year, that motivated the guys even more. Our main goal is to get better every week. We want to show them that we can compete. It’s going to be a rebuilding year but the kids are working hard. They’re a great group with a lot of enthusiasm.”

With the change in classifications, it’s forced the game against Athens to be moved to the fourth week of the season instead of being played the opening week—something Pugh hopes doesn’t take the luster away.

“I love playing that game,” Pugh said. “It’s something that I felt like the county needed. Not only is it great for the kids and the communities, but it gets the people motivated as well. I just hope we don’t lose the luster of that first game of the season feel.”

One question on many people’s mind heading into the opening week of the season is who the Indians would have replacing former All-Area quarterback Chad Dewitt. Pugh’s answer: Sam Chaney.

“Sam is a good, steady kid,” Pugh said. “He’s got the varsity and quarterback experience, so I think we’ll be fine.”

And by the number’s in the weight room this summer, Pugh feels like they’ll be a good team to coach.

“They’ve really worked hard all summer,” Pugh said. “They practice hard and I think they’ll give it everything they’ve got once the season rolls around. We’re going to take some bumps and bruises this season, but at least we’re doing it with the kids we’ve got.”