Summer workouts have concluded, fall practices begin Monday and the Escambia County Blue Devils are looking to keep up the tempo they picked up beginning with spring training.

The Blue Devils completed their summer workouts on Thursday and are now working towards their jamboree game against Linden on Aug. 20 and opening game against T.R. Miller on Aug. 27.

Now that workouts have ended, Blue Devils head coach Mark Heaton said he has seen a lot of promise from his players mentally and physically.

“We have matured character-wise, discipline-wise and gained a lot of strength from the start of summer to where we are now,” Heaton said. “To me, one of the most successful keys to a championship team is having good character. I think we have several kids who are stepping up with their character and becoming strong leaders.”

One goal that Heaton had set for his team was that players step up to leadership roles and face the challenges that are in front of them, especially the seniors.

Heaton said he has seen this growth from some of his players.

“Some of the seniors have really grown up over the summer,” he said. “I told them they will face adversity everyday of their lives. What they have to do is be prepared to make a decision on how to take on that adversity, and more importantly make the right decision. I feel like they have done well with that.”

Now that practices are ahead for the Blue Devils, the team and coaches look ready to hit the field running.

Heaton said he is ready to get everything going with practice because the exciting part of the year is here.

“I’m ready to get out on that football field,” he said. “I think the kids and the coaches are ready to get out there too. We have set a good foundation, and now it’s time to frame some walls around that foundation. It’s going to be great out there with whistles blowing, horns blowing, dummies will be out and the players are getting after it.”

With practices starting, the Blue Devils want the community to know they are welcome to see what is happening at Herbert Barnes Stadium.

Heaton said he wants Atmore to see what their team is doing in practice as well as games.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the community about this right now,” Heaton said. “This is not my football team, this is not the player’s team, this is Atmore’s football team, and we want the people around this community to know that. I welcome them to come see practices or meet with the coaches after practice. We want them to see what we are doing, and on Aug. 27, we want this stadium packed.”

The Escambia County Blue Devils hit the field Monday and begin practices in full pads on Thursday.