WESSON – Obviously, the record heat and humidity are affectingthe progress of every football team in Mississippi. TheCopiah-Lincoln Community College football team donned fullequipment for Thursday morning’s practice and the Wolfpackstruggled at times with the extra baggage.

“We are just trying to survive the heat,” said Co-Lin head coachGlenn Davis. “Our kids have pretty much pushed through it.”

He said the summer-long, offseason workout routine benefited theWolves. “Overall, I think we came into camp in the best shape sinceI’ve been here.”

Co-Lin’s extra-large linemen have suffered the most fatigue inpractice. “Our guys in the offensive line get overheated,” saidDavis. “Keith Dee (Natchez) has survived the best in theheat.”

Twenty-four sophomores were joined by around 50 freshmen when theteam reported for preseason practice last Sunday. Practice beganMonday morning.

“We have had a lot of carryover from last spring,” notedDavis.

Co-Lin sophomore quarterback Percy Turner has looked promising inpractice. The Jefferson County product is recovering from offseasonknee surgery. Turner passed for over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdownslast season as the Pack finished 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the SouthDivision.

“I’ve been pleased with Percy Turner,” said Davis. “He’s coming offknee surgery real well.”

Davis also praised sophomore running back Titus Mobley ofGroveland, Fla. “He has been impressive.”

Co-Lin practiced twice Thursday. To help the players cope with theextreme heat, they worked out in shorts and shoulder pads in theevening workout.

“Defensively, we have a lot better skill people in our secondary,”said Davis. Cornerback DeHendret Collins of Franklin County, safetyCalvin Jones of Petal and defensive end Jason Catchings ofMendenhall have looked strong in practice.

Co-Lin has a new punter and kicker in camp. Freshman Justin Daniseof Ocean Springs has been having some good workouts as a punter anda placekicker. Davis said, “Justin has good leg strength.”

Sophomore Ricky Stutts of Flowood (NW Rankin) and freshman AdamOgden of Brookhaven are working as long snappers in camp. Ogden isback in school after four years of active duty with the U.S.Marines.

Co-Lin will scrimmage Saturday, depending on the weather. PictureDay is Sunday afternoon.

Rosters must be reduced to 55 players in the next few weeks.Co-Lin’s first game is Sept. 2, hosting the Coahoma CommunityCollege Tigers. Kickoff is 7 p.m. in Stone Stadium.