DEMOPOLIS — Overcast conditions and cooler temperatures aided the Tigers Monday as they put together a solid practice to open the week.

“We had a good day,” DHS head coach Tom Causey said. “Cool weather sure helps. We were flying around. We got a lof of guys reps. I think we’re starting to understand what our philosophy is. “

The Tigers’ strong day defensively was again highlighted by its veteran defensive line.

“They’re so hard on each other,” Causey said of the hard-nosed group. “If one of them is having a bad day or not going as hard as he should, they’ll get on him.”

The Tigers were still without sophomore fullback DaMarcus James, who continues to nurse an injury. In his stead, senior Jacob Kerby took the bulk of the carries at the position.

“He’s done a good job of it. I think it’s helped him understand the offense a little better,” Causey said of Kerby. “It’s made Jacob a better football player.”

Kerby brings good speed and a powerful running style to the position, leading coaches to believe he will prove the perfect complement to the slashing style of James.

“It really gives us a great change of pace,” Causey said. “Not that one of them is faster than the other, they’re just different styles of runners.”

Starting quarterback Rick Boone reportedly continued to show progress Monday, avoiding some of the poor decisions that have plagued him in the past.

“I don’t mind a bad throw. As long as we’re going to the right man with a bad throw, we’re not going to get hurt,” Causey said.

Causey said his quarterback has shown more patience of late, appearing more content to take what the defense gives.

“I think to be a good offense over a long period of time, you’ve got to be patient,” Causey said.

Causey said his offensive line has continued to improve under new coach Jeremy Sullivan.

“I think Coach Sullivan has given them some stability there,” Causey said. “I think it’s reassured them and given them a lot more confidence with what they’re doing.”

“We’ve got to have some guys grow up and start carrying their weight,” he added.

The coaching staff also spent time trying to work in the reserve players, acclimating them with the starters.

“We try to get those guys reps with the ones. We generally get nine reps with the ones and five reps with the twos,” Causey said before commenting that the starting lineup is never set in stone. “We’re going to go with the guys who are doing the best job consistently.”

The team’s first game is two weeks from Friday in Wetumpka. Causey said the coaching staff has yet to start gameplanning for the contest.

“We’ll probably do it the middle of this week,” he said. “Right now, we’re trying to take care of us. I don’t think (Wetumpka is) worried about us right now.”

The team’s next competition against another school will come Aug. 22 when it is scheduled to host Linden and Wilcox for a jamboree event.