Where tradition meets acclimation, the Darlington Tiger football program is finding out right now if they are indeed faster and stronger heading into the 2026 season.
The Super Tiger Test begins in the weight room and carries over to the football field. First, it’s lifting, and then it’s running and other agility activities in a competition not only against each other, but against a Tiger’s past showings.
"It’s a test we do amongst our team," said Darlington head coach Wayne Groves. "It’s a team competition. Over four days, we do nine events: bench press max, squat max, power clean max, 40-yard dash, 10-yard dash, 20-yard pro shuttle, L drill, broad jump and a mile and a half run.
"We keep those records. Kids are trying to out-do themselves from the year before. They are trying to beat previous record holders. It’s a good way to end the summer and acclimate. But also get the boys fired up about putting on pads next week."
The L drill, to explain, involves three small cones in the shape of the letter and using them to form a running pattern.
The Darlington coaching staff will, at the end of the Super Tiger Test, award those who scored the best. The Tigers were in the middle of squats Wednesday morning, and it was obvious to see the ones who could handle more of the 45-pound weights.
"Like most programs, we acclimate all summer," said Groves about the five-day period GHSA member schools are currently in to prepare for the first day of full pads football practice July 27. "This week is just another week of practice. We have to dial it back a little bit from what we did the week before. But the kids are doing a good job with it. We’re having a good summer."
That includes going against Bowdon High, four-time defending state champions, in 7-on-7 games more than once.
"We want to get on their level," said Groves. "To get on levels like that, you have to go compete against those teams. The focus mainly has been improving ourselves. Every day trying to get better. Playing lower, faster, more physical, and understanding our football IQ within our schemes.
"We put a huge emphasis on strength and speed development (hence the Super Tiger Test). Hopefully that is going to show up on Friday night, all the hard work our kids have done since January."
Since most of the work, save for spring practice or any OTA camps, is just with helmets and not full pads, Groves labeled it "mental" work.
"Now it’s time to do the physical work," he said. "That’s what’s going to win games. We have to crank that up next week."
This article was originally published by Matthew Brown in the Rome News-Tribune on July 23, 2026.
