WESLEY CHAPEL – In addition to this story in tomorrow’s paper from Wiregrass Ranch’s first day of practice, here are a couple quick notes from the start of football (at long last) in the North Suncoast:
* Tico Hernandez’s first fall practice as Wesley Chapel’s head coach featured about 80 players – more than double the 35 he had in the spring. The Wildcats’ opening workouts focused on conditioning, with weightlifting sessions going on while others ran 40-yard dashes and three-cone drills. One conditioning highlight: Alex Greer’s 10-foot broad jump.
* River Ridge had about 50 players at its practice, coach Ryan Benjamin said. The Royal Knights also focused on acclimation. Benjamin said he had the highest percentage of players pass his conditioning test than either of his other two years as head coach.
Tweets of the day
@SunlakeFootball: “Great job today Seahawks. But consistency is what will make us great! Tow the line!”
Springstead assistant Dustin Kupcik (@Coach_Kup): “Day one in the books, always enjoy seeing the freshmen ‘deer in the head lights’ looks.”