A pair of Class 4A Texas schools began official practice on Monday.
Liberty-Eylau and head coach Dewaski Davis began practice at 7 a.m. on Monday morning. The Leopards were out in the Texas sun going through the drills, in what is to hopefully be an exciting season.
Liberty-Eylau had 90 players report but there will be more to follow, as some were out of town. Other players were dealing with personal family issues.
"We have a great nucleus of kids who have been here all summer and it showed," Davis said. "What we did in the spring showed as well, so we really feel comfortable with where we're at. Here in a little bit, we will be even better.
"The kids pushed each other and held each other accountable. They are drive, even more so than normal. They worked extremely hard and retained a lot of what we did in the spring. I feel good with where we are at. The staff did pretty good, and the kids responded well."
Pleasant Grove had not yet completed its 6-8:30 p.m. evening practice at presstime. Head coach Josh Gibson was expecting around 105-110 players report.
"I think it's going to go great," Gibson said. "Our kids and coaches are excited to get back out and reap a lot of the rewards from spring and summer. The kids put a ton of effort into the spring and summer workouts. They are excited to do what they signed up to do, which is to play football and have fun.
"They start a journey together that is special. I believe it is the kind of excitement that will not fizzle because of the amount of time that our kids and coaches put into having a special program and season."