The first Heritage spring football scrimmage will be remembered for a festive array of many colors.



With the uniforms purchased by Heritage burning up in a fire at an athletic manufacture, Coach Tim James scrambled to borrow uniforms from every source imaginable.



Heritage Principal Ronnie Bradford said it would have been nice to see his team in their "school colors" but this too will be a part of the school's history in the Generals first-year in Catoosa County .



Bradford said everyone in the community is anticipating the day Coach James and his team steps out on the field for their season opening. That will take place on Aug. 29 against Sonoraville at the new Heritage High School .



The first day I came out to spring practice they were wearing these old white uniforms that I had when I was playing peewee football," Bradford said. "It was kind of fun to watch. It was like when Heritage Middle started and we had to bush hog the field to get it ready. We practiced on mud and rock. But it only made us stronger."



James said the key to this year's spring drills was to make his young men stronger.



With two seniors, 11 juniors and a group of "puppies," as James refers to his freshmen and sophomores, the main focus will be to mold his youngsters into men on the football field.



"We're going to be fine," James said. "We've got a long summer ahead of us and a lot of work to do. But the kids have a good work ethic."



Wide receiver Matt Chattin who transferred from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, said he's ready to get back to work since school is out.



"From the beginning our first Monday was kind of rough (in spring practice)," he said. "But then we came together and started playing like a team. From everybody saying we're not going to be able to contend with anybody we just let that build up and started playing harder."



Aside from getting "a little banged up" in the scrimmage, James said he felt the night was a productive one. He also said after seeing his players in action he doesn't regret playing a varsity schedule.



"I was impressed with the way kids stepped it up," he said. "Form wise we still have some work to do on tackling, but overall, I'm pleased with our first outing...Anytime you split your squad up you're not going to look like a million bucks.



“If if I didn't think we could compete we wouldn't be playing varsity. We may take a couple of licks early on, but it will help us a few years down the road.”



Big lineman Chase Duke is already fired up about taking some of the punches early on. He said it's obvious his team is already a third-rival in Catoosa County, respectfully.



"I don't don't mean to call anybody out," he said. "But it's kind of pathetic they're shooting after us as a first-year team, rather than somebody else. But, if they want to, they can go right ahead."



The next time the Generals take the field it will surely be another festive event. But next time they will be playing on the new Heritage football field and wearing the school’s red and navy colors