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Bowie football coach Jeff Ables understands the challenges of arriving at football practice before the sun touches the morning sky.
For the 23rd time, the 62-year-old coach walked onto the campus field for the start of summer camp Monday. He was followed by his legion of Bulldogs, 238 strong, as they gathered for their first practice of the upcoming season.
“These guys are making a sacrifice and a commitment to get up while their buddies are still sleeping,” Ables said. “I want all the focus to be on these kids.”
There were similar gatherings throughout the state Monday, the first day of football training camp for teams that did not participate in spring drills. Teams that had spring ball will be opening their training camps next Monday.
Bowie is among many schools that begin practice early to avoid the hottest part of the day. The Bulldogs are optimistic about the 2024 season with a group of eight offensive players who were in the starting lineup last year, including quarterback Cruz Tello. Leading the defense are a pair of veterans — safety Reagan Cooper and linebacker Wyatt Barnes.
Tello said he has gained confidence as a verbal leader over the past few years with the Bulldogs. The senior quarterback had two simple words when asked about the three-plus weeks of camp before Bowie opens the season Aug. 30 at Manor: “I’m ready.”
Bowie quarterback Cruz Tello passes during drills Monday, the first day of high school football practice around the state. Tello, a senior and returning starter, said he’s eagerly looking forward to the Bulldogs’ season opener Aug. 30. “I’m ready,” he said.
Cooper said he was ready to get started when his alarm clock went off at 5:30 in the morning. A senior, this is his final year of organized football with his neighborhood friends who are willing to wake up earlier than roosters.
“It makes me…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/austin-area-high-schools-kick-234430460.html
Author : Austin American-Statesman
Publish date : 2024-08-05 23:44:30
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