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Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said participation has been exceptional this summer. The majority of players arrive for the 90-minute workouts at 6 a.m. Some of them report for summer jobs after the workouts. A handful of players arrive later for the 8 a.m. session.
Peavey and his coaching staff have a set pattern of workouts for the players. Linemen and linebackers are in one group. The other group is composed of skill players and the defensive secondary.
"One group is in the weight room in the first half (of workouts) and the other group is outside," said Peavey. "Then they switch it."
Football players must possess strength and speed to be successful. Peavey said, "The strength factor is important. The stronger and more conditioned athlete you are, the less chance of injury."
Mississippi is notorious for its heat and humidity in the first month to six weeks of the football season. Water breaks are mandatory near the midway point of each 12-minute quarter.
"The weather we have to deal with during August and September is a major factor," said Peavey. "The workouts help condition athletes."
Peavey said the players work on lower body muscles twice a week and the upper body twice a week. "We change the exercises to keep the players from getting bored.
"Outside we do sprint conditioning two days and stadium (steps) and agility two days," said Peavey. "In the last part of July, we will concentrate on pure conditioning."
Coaches at most schools provide some type of reward for the most dedicated players. In Brookhaven's case, Peavey said a variety of incentives are provided. "The guys who make the most workouts, we've done T-shirts and military dog chain collars."
Under the new Mississippi High School Activities Association's reclassification system, Brookhaven has been promoted to Class 5A. Former 5A schools are now Class 6A.
Brookhaven's Region 3-5A opponents are newcomers Wayne County, Picayune, West Jones, Pearl River Central and Stone County, plus former Class 4A region foes McComb and Forest Hill. Athletes Enthusiastic
Senior defensive end Joseph Owens (6-1, 245) is anticipating a challenging season for the Ole Brook Panthers. He has been working overtime this summer in preparation for the 2009 campaign.
"This is the most we've ever ran," said Owens. "We have a harder schedule. I've worked on my stamina."
Junior center Mitch Case (5-8, 215) was a starter last season as the Panthers finished runners-up in the region race. He said he has enjoyed the summer workouts.
"I love it," said Case. "You get plenty of lifting time and running time. By the end of summer, you can really tell that it helped you."
Junior tight end Nick Peavey (6-1, 225) said the summer workouts have been a rewarding experience. "It feels good to be in shape. We are getting stronger, too."
Senior defensive tackle Cordai Henderson (6-0, 255) sat on a stationary bicycle in the corner of the BHS weight room and pedaled energetically as teammates labored on various weight training machines, breaking into a sweat. He is rehabbing from a pulled hamstring.
"I'm working hard to get it (hamstring) back right," said Henderson. "I've been going nonstop."
Asked about his favorite exercise, Henderson said he liked the power clean best, because "I get to use my legs and my arms."
Brookhaven's first day of preseason drills is Aug. 3. School starts Aug. 6. The Panthers' first game is Aug. 28, hosting Franklin County.
