At least 60 expected to tryout in fall

Nearly 50 boys attended Bigfork High School head football coach Todd Emslie's camp earlier this month, and, with that large of number at camp, next year's roster is expected to be sizable as well.

"I think it's great. We got six new helmets after the season and I had to order six more," Emslie said. "Numbers-wise if everyone comes out that says they are going to come out, we could be pushing 60, but we'll see."

Of the potential players that attended the camp, Emslie said about 10 of them were incoming freshman.

He said he was impressed that so many took the time to make it to the camp even though it was scheduled alongside their end of the year activities and middle school graduation ceremonies.

"The idea for them was to get them their equipment, have them meet the coaches and break the ice with the older boys," Emslie said.

The first day of the camp the boys were given speed tests in an effort to measure their current status and be able to compare it to where they are at in August.

The remainder of the week the boys padded up and participated in full-contact practices.

"Overall, it went really well," Emslie said of the camp. "We had some of our skill kids missing from camp, but our line looks great. We are going to have a big powerful line. A lot of those boys are in the weight room working real hard. The skill kids that were there did a great job and picked up right where we left off last year."

Emslie held a similar camp last year, but what made this year's different was the year of experience than many brought to the field.

Last year, Emslie was just returning to the program after a five-year hiatus, so this year the boys were used to his program.

"Last year's camp was a big orientation to me and our new offense and new defense," Emslie said. "There was a lot of learning that went on. The biggest difference this year is that the kids have a year of experience with me and with our program. This year the kids were pushing for more from us and wanting more from the play book and being ready for it, which is great to see."

For the next six weeks Emslie will be hosting passing practice at the high school field from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. He has also been approached by multiple schools to participate in a 7-on-7 game this summer. No dates have been set yet though.