Lufkin High School has shifted its football practices to early mornings due to new UIL safety protocols regarding outdoor workouts. Athletes begin arriving by 6 a.m., working out until around 8:30 a.m., which has introduced adjustments in routine for both players and coaches. Head Coach Carl Abseck noted the challenge of not meeting players before practice and emphasized the effort the team is putting in. Despite these changes, players are adapting well, and practices have improved thanks to their commitment.

By the Numbers
  • Lufkin's football players arrive for practice at 6 a.m.
  • Practices conclude around 8:30 a.m., allowing time for showering and breakfast before classes.
  • First pickup time for buses is at 5:05 a.m.
  • Scrimmage against Huntsville scheduled for Friday, with freshmen starting at 5 p.m.
State of Play
  • Players are adapting to the new morning practice schedule.
  • Coaching staff is utilizing Hudl to communicate and send practice materials to players.
  • Offensive execution has reportedly improved since the previous year.
What's Next

The Panthers will face Huntsville in a scrimmage on Friday, which will serve as a crucial benchmark for their preseason readiness. The coaching staff plans to assess progress made during morning practices and adjust further based on player performance.

Bottom Line

Lufkin's commitment to early morning practices demonstrates their adaptability to new safety measures. As players get accustomed to these changes, their improved execution could lead to a competitive edge during the upcoming season.