The 2010 Wildcat football season officially kicked off bright and early yesterday morning with the first of the August two-a-days practices.

"It was just the first practice, and we kept it pretty simple, but I’m impressed with what I saw today,” Wildcats head coach, Scott Smith said after practice.

For the few of us in attendance, there to witness the pre-dawn conditioning test, it was obvious the vast majority of the players worked hard over the summer.

The dreaded conditioning test consisted of 20 – 40 yard dashes, which were timed by position.

"We had something like 95% of the players complete the conditioning test," said Smith. "It's a really good sign at this point."

"Clearly the captains did a great job getting the guys to work all summer. While this was just the first practice, being in shape is half the battle."

"I ask for three things out of all my players coming into camp," Smith continued. "Work hard, be in shape and be able to execute. Based on what I saw today, we’re off to a good start with each of these goals."

Now in his 5th year as the ‘Cats head coach, Smith relishes in the opportunity to see his players continue to develop, especially the seniors.

"For the first couple of years in the program, a lot of these guys were just trying to figure things out, but now, after several years in the program, they know exactly what to expect."

"We don’t have to tell them what to do, and the younger guys can look up to the seniors for guidance."

Senior team captains Tré Stewart and David Green certainly concur.

"It wasn’t long ago when we were ‘those guys,’" said Green pointing out some of the underclassmen. "It’s our turn to take the lead."

"Instead of being followers, it’s now our responsibility to set the tempo," Stewart added. "If we're dragging, everyone else is dragging. The want has to be there in the younger guys, but it’s our job to make sure they all know that we can’t just show up and beat Mesquite."

"We'll be ready."

Go ahead and mark your calendars now. The season opener against Mesquite High School at Hanby Stadium is set for Friday, August 27th at 7:30 p.m., and LH Today will there to cover it LIVE.

Be sure to tune in to the new LH Today Game-Day Broadcast with Chip Waggoner & David Hardt - all season long!

GO ‘CATS!