CAIRO — A return to normalcy this summer was essential for the Cairo Syrupmakers. An annual contender for region supremacy, the Syrupmakers must replace 17 seniors that guided Cairo to a 5-5 record and the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs last year. 

With so many young players and starting positions available, Cairo has benefited from a restriction-free summer; unlike last year that had numerous restrictions amid COVID-19.

“Everything’s been good,” Cairo coach Steve Devoursney said. “We’ve got some passing leagues in. We’ve got some padded camps in, working out, running, getting to do the things we took for granted, I guess last year. 

“No question, we lost some good players. We got a lot of young kids out there, first-time starters, so getting them some work has been big for us.”

The Syrupmakers staff is still sorting out which players likely can be front-line players and who will be backups. They’re also trying to find the best position for some.

“We’re still a long ways from having a finished product,” Devoursney said. “It’s a process. We’re right in the middle of it, trying to figure it out as fast as we can.”

One of the team’s main objectives is to find next year’s starter at quarterback. Kevin Speed was used behind center in 2020 and returns for his senior season. However, he’s also one of the team’s best athletes.

“We’ve got him playing everywhere,” Devoursney said. “He’s playing some receiver. He’s playing some quarterback, some  running back, some safety, some linebacker. He’s doing a lot of stuff for us right now.”

Cairo is also looking at other quarterback options such as junior Braylon Robinson and sophomore Juderick Gee-simmons. If one of them can take over the reins, it would free Speed up to play another position.

“Kevin never played quarterback until last year. He did a great job for us. He’s probably the best athlete we’ve got, so we’re just trying to use him the best way we can,” Devoursney said. “When it’s all said and done, he might have to be the quarterback. We’re going to look at every option first and see what we can do.”