By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

Pete Wiggins’ fifth edition of the Callaway High football team could be his best yet.

The Cavaliers, who started fall practice this week, have another year under their belts in the head coach’s system, and it’s showing.

Crisp practices and developed players - along with a plethora of battle-tested seniors - have allowed the team to seamlessly begin practice this week.

“We push the kids to get good, quality reps, and make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to,” Wiggins said. “They seem like they’re getting better every year.”

The Cavaliers lost several key players from 2008, when they won their first-ever Region 5-AA championship and their first playoff game.

Gone are the reliable legs of fullback Tharius Tigner, the playmaking ability of quarterback Demetrius Heard and the lock-down coverage of safety Antoine Dorsey, among others.

The team is not expecting to miss a beat when it faces Troup High in the season opener Aug. 28, however.

“We’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Wiggins said. “But they’re working hard.”

Junior Quan Bray made the switch from running back to quarterback this offseason, and his progression is palpable.

In fact, it’s so apparent Bray said he’s willing to transform Callaway’s traditional run-oriented offense into a pass-happy attack.

“Everything is clicking for me,” said Bray, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons at Callaway. “It’s just how I expected it to be. I’ve played quarterback before.”

An experienced offensive line will also work in Bray’s favor, as four of five starters return.

“I think the offensive line is our biggest strength right now,” Wiggins said. “(Position coach) J.J. Wahl has done a heck of a job with them. They’re the biggest line we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Of course, senior wide receiver Quantavius Leslie will be a reliable go-to target for Bray, but the running back position still needs to be ironed out.

Bray pointed to D.J. Rutledge and Marquis Terrell as potential candidates to take over his former position.

“They’re looking good,” Bray said.

On defense, Wiggins has kept a close eye on the secondary and interior line, which are the most questionable positions on the field for Callaway.

Bray Hardy, Jeff Cameron, Miles Ector and Terrell Daniel are under the microscope as possible secondary replacements.

At defensive tackle, Golden Sutton, Desmond ‘Debo’ Davis and Michael Rosser are getting plenty of early reps.

Just a few days into practice, Wiggins and the Cavaliers are already licking their chops in preparation for the preseason scrimmage on Aug. 21 against Greenville in Hogansville.

“We’re really excited for that first scrimmage,” Wiggins said.