DAVID BARBER

Sports Correspondent

Following a 4-1 record after playing five non-district games, the Van Vandals are more than ready for a break as they will now rest up and get ready for a challenging District 7-4A, Division 2, schedule starting Friday, Oct. 11.

The Vandals defeated Dallas Carter (28-20), Lindale (28-23), Sunnyvale (28-14), and Brownsboro (56-20) while losing by six points to Pine Tree, 36-30, in their non-district schedule.

Players and coaches for the Vandals now have the opportunity to look back at what they have accomplished to this point as they enjoy some time off before getting ready for their district campaign.

“We have been real fortunate not to have any serious injuries to any of our players as we enter our bye week,” emphasized Vandal Head Football Coach Jared Moffatt. “Everybody should be ready to go when we play Spring Hill at home in our district opener Oct. 11.”

With Van ISD being out of school for Fall Break Oct. 2-4, workout time during the bye week for the Vandals will be limited, according to the Vandal head coach.

“We used to be out of school for Fall Break just on Friday, and then they added Thursday, but now, the kids are out Wednesday as well,” pointed out Moffatt. “The kids only go to school Monday and Tuesday this week. We practiced Monday (Sept. 30) and we introduced our game plan for the Spring Hill game. It was not the full game plan, but it gave us some things for us to work on. We will build on that Tuesday (Oct. 1). The bye week also gives us a chance to work on some things that we need to improve on at this point of the season. We will slow down this week to some extent. The players will have the rest of the week off.”

Moffatt said that in addition to the players, the coaching staff will enjoy some time off as well during the bye week.

“The older you get, some of us on the coaching staff are pushing 50, the bye week might be one of our favorite weeks of the season because you are working less than you normally do,” pointed out Moffatt. “We had a lot of time off last weekend following the Brownsboro game compared to our normal work schedule. It gives us all an ability to catch our breath instead of thinking about just football all the time. We have an opportunity to work more on our first district opponent, Spring Hill. I know our coaching staff appreciates a little extra time off right now.”

Every member of District 7-4A, Division 2, is enjoying a bye week and everyone will be back in action Friday, Oct. 11.

“The bye week allows us to get a little bit ahead on our preparations for Spring Hill next week,” said Moffatt.

In addition to Van hosting Spring Hill, Gilmer will visit Pittsburg, and Texarkana Pleasant Grove will be at home against Paris North Lamar to open district play Oct. 11.

“I really didn’t give the bye week much thought until our game with Brownsboro was over last Friday night,” recalled Moffatt. “With everyone in our district having the same bye week, I am not sure what I will be doing this Friday night (Oct. 4).”

For more information about next week’s district opener at home against Spring Hill, check out www.vanzandtnews.com.