Jemison High School’s football team didn’t get to play in an exhibition game scheduled for May 17, but first-year coach Jacob Hogan still considers the spring practice period a success.

“They were chomping at the bit,” Hogan said about the players’ desire to face off against someone other than themselves.

Heavy rain forced the cancellation of the planned game at West Point High School, and the Panthers instead played an intrasquad game

Hogan was named Jemison’s coach after serving as offensive coordinator last season.

Before coming to Jemison, Hogan, a Leeds native, spent four years in Lafayette, Ga. as offensive coordinator, strength and conditioning coordinator and offensive line coach.

“It’s an honor, it really is,” Hogan said about the opportunity to lead JHS. “I like the people I work with and work for.”

Hogan will be assisted in the fall by Van Clements, Robert George, Daryl Lowery and Anthony Vachris, among others.

Jemison’s main attraction in 2013 will be a senior receiver.

“Randy Satterfield is just a force to be reckoned with,” Hogan said. “He had a great spring. The thing about him is that now he’s working on things that maybe he’s not quite as good at, trying to get better. I think that is going to get him a shot at the next level.”

Satterfield will depend on a new quarterback to get him the ball, though Hogan said sophomore Kevin Nunn has shown great potential after a freshman season that saw him primarily play defensive end.

“He’s got to work on his reads, kind of some game situations, but that’s typical of a young quarterback,” Hogan said.

Having a receiver the caliber of Satterfield will no doubt help with Nunn’s development, as will a stable of backs that includes senior John Underwood and junior Tyler Henderson.

Hogan said he’s confident about the offense’s progress, as well as how defenders have adapted to a new 4-4 scheme.

But the team’s success might hinge on the play of offensive and defensive fronts that need some younger players to step up and fill important roles.

Seniors Joseph Hall and Brandon Stokes—playing left guard and center, respectively—will anchor the offensive line, but there are holes to be filled.

“I feel good about the progress we made in the spring,” Hogan said.

The Panthers will visit Thompson for a passing camp on June 11 and host a camp on July 12. B.B. Comer and Leeds are expected to participate, Hogan said.