The Blue Hose have reported to campus for the start of fall camp, marking the first work under head coach Matt Rahl, who has taken the reins of the program this season.
A fresh start for the Blue Hose
Rahl opened the session with a two‑hour workout that featured only non‑contact offensive drills, allowing players to focus on fundamentals without the distraction of full pads.
The coach stressed that mental toughness will be a cornerstone of the team's identity, urging players to stay sharp and embrace the grind of early‑morning practices.
Season opener and home streak
Presbyterian College will open its season at home on August 27 against UVA Wise, a game that also serves as the first step in a home stretch that has seen the Blue Hose win eight consecutive games over the past two years.
Following that debut, the team will hit the road for two non‑conference road trips to Mercer and Western Carolina, before returning to New York to face Marist in the league opener.
Upcoming road matchups
The schedule also includes a home matchup against St. Thomas on October 3, after which the squad will continue its early‑morning workouts throughout August.
Preparing for pads and scrimmages
Pads will be introduced on Sunday, August 2, and the team will stage two intrasquad scrimmages on August 6 and 14, giving players a chance to test new schemes in a controlled environment.
Looking ahead
With a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Blue Hose hope to translate the emphasis on discipline into on‑field success, aiming to extend their home winning streak and make a strong start in the Pioneer Football League.