Whether they were on the field before the sun or when it shined in full force, football players and coaches at Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker on Monday dived into playbooks, delved into the details and fully turned their attention to the 2024 season on the first day of fall camp.
“It feels great to be out here. It feels new. It feels refreshing,” Ellison wide receiver Prince Hall said after the Eagles’ first practice. “I loved the energy out here. Everybody was getting loud and I really liked that. I’m very excited for the season coming up.”
Hall’s first-day feelings were echoed across the district Monday when the Eagles, Knights, Kangaroos and Grey Wolves joined Chaparral –– which started practice Aug. 5 –– in preparation for the upcoming gridiron campaign.
“It was exciting. We’ve been waiting a long time. Kids have worked hard all summer trying to get ready for this moment, so we’re excited. We’re ready to go,” Ellison head coach Danny Servance said. “A lot of energy this morning and we’ve been telling them, we have to have that every day. Every day that you come out here, you have to be ready to give 100 percent.”
Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker participated in spring ball last May thus, per University Interscholastic League rules, had a week-longer wait than the Bobcats to kick off official practices.
However, a large group of players spent dozens of days during summer break attending voluntary strength and conditioning sessions, and that effort and the gains made during those workouts appeared to pay dividends on Day 1.
Shoemaker head coach Toby Foreman believed many of his players arrived to the first practice in proper shape after a solid summer yielded high participation numbers and positive growth among the Grey Wolves.
“Summertime is a time when you can either fall way behind or be way ahead, and I believe we are way ahead,” he said.
Ellison running back Daryl Cannie Jr. said the weight training and conditioning the Eagles did in June and July should help them hit the ground running as August rolls along.
“We are a really aggressive team, so I feel like how we lifted reflected that and it’s really going to help us through these first couple weeks,” Cannie said.
At the conclusion of Harker Heights’ first practice Monday, head coach Mark Humble told his players it was the best first day he’d ever seen.
The two-time defending league champion Knights will have two KISD teams to contend with in District 12-6A this season after Shoemaker and Killeen High were bumped up from 5A Division I.
“I thought it was a great practice for Day 1,” he said after dismissing the team. “We’re ahead of the curve. Special teams, offense, defense, I’m super-pleased. I think we’re ahead and that’s a tribute to our coaches and players. With the offseason and summer they had, our kids are well-prepared.”
During the first two days of fall camp, only cleats, socks, T-shirts, shorts and helmets are permitted. Shoulder pads can be added on Day 3, though full-contact is only allowed on Day 6 –– a day Killeen High senior Jonah Tauiliili is eagerly awaiting.
“Can’t wait for that,” the offensive lineman said with a grin.
Even without the clash of pads Monday, it still sounded a lot like football season had arrived. Whistles signaled the start and end to drills, coaches’ instructions guided players through schemes and stations, and teammates encouraged one another. Athletic trainers were busy, too, carrying in-demand water bottles and helping all stay hydrated.
“It’s always great to get out here for the first official one. I’m proud of our kids for being here on time and doing things the right way,” Killeen High head coach Josh Sadler said. “We’ve been working all summer long, so we really don’t skip a beat. We just put helmets on and starting running around with a little bit more intent, and a little bit longer. The kids are in great shape and they can handle the first-day practice and structure.”
The countdown to opening day only picks up steam from here. Nine practices lead into a lone scrimmage Aug. 22 before Week 1 commences Aug. 30.
The Eagles will tune up against Leander Glenn at Leo Buckley Stadium, the Roos go to Leander Vandegrift for their scrimmage, Harker Heights heads to Round Rock for a rehearsal against the Dragons, and the Grey Wolves will face Belton to work out the kinks.
The Week 1 matchups are: Cedar Park Vista Ridge at Killeen (Buckley), Ellison at Copperas Cove, Cedar Park at Harker Heights (Searles Stadium), Shoemaker at Round Rock and Chaparral at Kyle Lehman.
“(Monday was) that first step into the journey of the 2024 season. The calendar is so short. The first game will be here before you know it,” Humble said. “We’re excited. You can tell the kids are excited. They were here early and ready to go. It’s a great time,” he said.
View more photos of the first day of practice on Flickr: www.killeenisd.org/photos.
