As the season fast approaches, coaches are running out of time to teach the new guys the plays and how to perform under pressure. Practices have been running like boot camp and are very demanding. Players worked hard the week before the first day of school, practicing twice a day under the unforgiving August heat. Coaches also insisted the players attend mandatory weighting sessions and participate in passing league tournaments. But the coaches are not the ones who give 110 percent on the field during game time.
Coaches say games are won by the team who wants it the most.
Santa Maria High players in practice were hustling every second from play to the water bucket and back. Righetti shouts loud enough in their warm up as if Lompoc could hear. Valley Christian is doing 10 push-ups every time one member faults. And St. Joseph has had successful practices that run ahead of schedule. All teams have had good turnouts.