Whistles and coaching.
The two go hand-in-hand in early August as football practice begins in Weatherford. The Weatherford Eagles were able to begin two-a-day practices Monday and the first practice with pads will be Friday.
During the last few days of practice, players and coaches have been working on the fundamentals of football.
Cole McCurdy is one the returning starters on the offensive and defensive lines. He spoke about the excitement of beginning practice.
“I think we have a lot more energy, a lot more focus than we had last year. Just coming in, I think all these young guys who didn’t know what was going on last year are understanding the language. That’s helped us a lot, just in these first four practices,” he said.
The team was excited during practice Thursday and they were performing with high energy. McCurdy said there are big keys to keeping that high energy and high intensity.
“I think going out rallying, I think winning games is going to be a part of it. We’re going to have to win game for kids to stay focused and stay high-energy at practice.
Coach Reagan Roof enters his sixth season at Weatherford. He said he’s excited about the upcoming year.
“First of all, it’s great to get the kids all back together. So far, I’ve been really pleased with the effort and the attitude we’ve had. We’re young this year and we’re not returning a whole lot of starters this year, so it’s a lot of fundamentals and really just seeing where we’re at at this point. So far we’re pleased.”
Beyond learning the fundamentals, players and coaches are battling the heat in this early August.
Temperatures reached the upper 80s by the end of the first practice Wednesday and were expected to be in the low 90s by the time the second practice started Wednesday afternoon. On the turf at Weatherford High School the temperatures were much warmer.
Roof said this year’s heat is not much different than previous years.
“Heat is a part of early football season; it is every year. Every team and school has got to deal with it. If you’re taking care of your body and you’re hydrating and your coaches are being smart with it, you can deal with it,” Roof said.
Roof said the players’ summer workouts have helped the team build endurance.
“Most of it is just getting out there and getting used to it. We had a great summer and the kids were up here all summer working out in it. We’re a little more used to it. Overall, it’s just taking care of your body because those first two or three games are going to be hot too,” Roof said.
The season begins September 2 when Weatherford travels to Kingfisher for a 7:30 kickoff, which is the only game starting at that time. Like last year, this season will be tough, Roof said.
“Maybe an overlooked aspect of last year was our 10-game schedule which was incredibly tough, probably the toughest I’ve ever had in coaching. This year, it’s not a whole lot easier. There’s not one game on the schedule that you can just look at and say ‘We can be these guys even if we don’t play well.’ Every game, we’re going to have to go out and play well.”
2022 schedule
7:30 p.m. at Kingfisher September 2
7 p.m. El Reno September 9
7 p.m. at Elgin September 16
7 p.m. at Chickasha September 23
7 p.m. Woodward September 30
7 p.m. at Clinton October 7
7 p.m. Cache October 14
7 p.m. Elk City October 20
7 p.m. at John Marshall October 28