Getting started is often the hardest part of completing a task, but that step can now be checked off for the Unity Christian School varsity football program.

Unity held its first spring football practice in May in preparation for the school’s first varsity season that will start in August.

The team will compete in the National Christian Schools Athletic Association against other private schools and home school teams from Georgia and Alabama.

18 players came out to be a part of spring drills that concluded on May 16 at Kell High School in Marietta where the team competed in a jamboree against home school programs, the Crown Knights and Paulding Panthers.

“I was real pleased with the kids,” said head coach Joe Curtiss. “Most of the kids had never played before, but they competed well and are still learning the game.”

The jamboree got off to a great start for Lions, with running back Josh Smith opening the scrimmage with a 40-yard touchdown run after being handed the ball by quarterback Jackson Bishop on the first play. The team ended the jamboree with one win, two ties and two losses.

“It was great to gain some experience,” said Curtiss of the jamboree. “It got the kids excited and allowed them to gain some confidence because of the way they played.”

In the first week of June, the team got a boost to their summer workouts when Unity opened a new training facility that should help the football team as well as other sports at the school. The facility includes six power stations and four dead lift platforms.

“God has blessed us in providing the weight facility,” said Curtiss. “For most of the kids, it’s the first time they have ever lifted.

“I was a little nervous about how the attendance would be for summer workouts, but the kids have really showed up.”

Last week UCS released their schedule for the upcoming season and also announced that their home games would be played at Pepperell’s Dragon Stadium in Lindale.

“We are really thankful to coach (Jeff) Shiflett and principal (Phil) Ray at Pepperell,” said Curtiss. “They were great, and it just happened to work out with both our schedules for us to play over there in a great stadium.”

Curtiss said his expectations for the team this year are simple.

“Being our first year, we just want to go out and be competitive,” said Curtiss. “We’re going to be a real young team, but we will see where we are at the end.”

Curtiss said that leading a new program is challenging, but fun.

“I’m used to the guys knowing everything about the game,” said Curtiss. “But the kids are really excited to learn more and more about football.

“We aren’t only excited about where we’re going to be at the end of this season, but for the team for the next few years when these young players gain more experience.”

Curtiss added that home school students in the area that are interested in joining the team should contact him at 706-936-0271.

The Lions open the season on Aug. 21 on the road against the Holy Ground Stallions. The home opener will be Aug. 28 when they take on Faith Covenant Academy.