The lights were on at Bulldog Stadium Saturday night and pads were popping during Zephyrhills Saturday Night Lights open practice.
After five days without pads, the Nick Carroll led Bulldogs, enjoyed their first practice with pads in front of roughly 200 people who mainly sought shade on the visitor’s side of the field.
Carroll and his staff split up players in several groups putting them through drills including the “Ring of Fire” where players work to dominate a block.
The offense and defense put on a show to give fans a preview of what is to come when the season officially starts August 25 when the Zephyrhills faces defending state champion Lake Wales, the same team that eliminated Zephyrhills in the region finals.
“All the work in the summer and the hard work every day is done to beat them in our first game,” said senior receiver/defensive back Jakobe Campbell.
Senior quarterback Brendyn Colella has gone through summer conditioning and 7-on-7 tournaments with the thought of revenge against Lake Wales.
“It’s has been a good motivation in the off-season,” Colella said. “In the weightroom, on the field and during 7-on-7, we’re using that to get ready.”
Zephyrhills will see live action August 18 when they travel to East Lake for the preseason classic. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.