The strain is almost palpable as 78 sweaty bodies, encumbered by shoulder pads, helmets and thick football jerseys, sprint back and forth on the grass field behind Immaculata High School. With each successive round, the panting is louder and the limbs tighter. A man with a whistle, sensing that physics have taken a toll on flesh, calls for everyone to take a water break.
Helmets come off, and faces look toward the sky.
Welcome to the first hour of Spartan football practice. Frauenheim is a local legend. We have good spirit and good attitude. The large roster makes it tough to earn a starting spot. They hit the sled, and it slides along, ripping up turf.