Every week at Shadow Ridge High school, the football team works tirelessly to prepare for Friday nights under the lights. Long before the fans fill the stands, players and coaches are putting in hours of work to sharpen their skills, perfect strategies, and build chemistry that shows on game day.
Head Coach Travis Foster says the schedule is no joke.
“Our varsity team will practice four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Each practice is typically two to two and a half hours, and we’ll have anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes of film three times a week,” Foster says.
Before they even hit the field, players have already spent months getting stronger. Off season training, summer camps, and weight sessions all add up.
Foster says, “JV and varsity kids usually spend six to eight months in weight training before the first game even kicks off.”
But not all of that comes from running laps or lifting weights. The team focuses on being efficient with their time.
“We try to condition in weight training and during drill work, each drill has a purpose and a reason for why we are doing it,” Foster explained.
Even though practices can be long and intense, keeping everyone motivated is important.
Foster said it takes a mix of energy, planning, and involvement.
“Like in the classroom, you vary your instruction to try and get players engaged. You can try and find a role for as many kids as you can,” Foster states.
While coaches focus on structure and preparation, the players bring their own mindset into every practice.
Senior linebacker Kawika Kalani said defense takes focus and communication.
“The main focus of defensive practice is communication, my position group focus on reading out keys,” Kalani stated.
At the varsity level, the speed and strength of opposing teams makes things even tougher.
Kalani said, “The most challenging part about playing defense on the varsity level is playing against other very talented and strong players, its difficult playing with strong players, but we always manage to dominate.”
Still, energy is never a problem for the team.
“The team keeps high intensity by getting each other hype before our team session starts,” Kalani expressed, showing the spirit that drives their practices every day.
From hours of film study to intense drills, every rep counts, because when game day comes, all that effort pays off.
