By By Matthew Nascone
Residents of the Bratt, Fla. area know it is football time again because the familiar sounds are coming from the football practice field. The Northview High School Chiefs hit the field Monday for their first day of practice for the 2007 season. The Chiefs will look to defend back-to-back FHSAA Class 2B District 1 titles this year.
"I thought the attitude was great out there," NHS head coach Cody Keene said. "There was a lot of hustle and it was hot, but the guys worked through it."
Keene said he believes there was a reason the team was able to make it through the first day.
"The way the guys practiced today showed how far our summer workout program has come," he said. "You could tell these guys were in shape out there. And that is what happens when 95 percent of our kids make all the summer workouts."
Keene said the team was limited in what they could do because they were in helmets and shorts, but the real action will start tomorrow when the Chiefs are allowed to put on the pads.
"Things will be different out here Thursday when we get the pads on and can hit," Keene said.
As the Chiefs enter practice, Keene said there are a few positions up in the air.
"We have some depth at the fullback position, but we don't have a starter yet," he said. "And there are a couple linebacker slots we need to fill. And the guys who want to win the most and show it on the field will get those spots."
The 17 seniors showed up ready for the first day of practice.
"We had good leadership out there from the seniors," Keene said. "And we are going to need that to continue if we want to succeed this year. It is always key to have senior leadership on and off the field. This group is doing a good job so far."
The Chiefs open the season at home against Pensacola Catholic Aug. 31.