As the summer heat climbs across Middle Tennessee, high school football programs have begun their first padded practices, confronting temperatures that often exceed 90 degrees.
Coaches have responded by shifting workouts to the coolest parts of the day, scheduling drills before sunrise to protect players from the most intense sun.
Franklin Road Academy eyes another title run
Among the schools adapting is Franklin Road Academy, whose football team finished as runners‑up in the Division II, AA state championship game last season.
Brentwood Academy, another contender, came within a single victory of capturing a title in the previous campaign, adding extra urgency to their preparation.
Nashville Christian School reshapes roster
Nashville Christian School enters the new season as the two‑time defending champion in Division II, Class A, but the squad will be without 22 seniors from the championship roster, among them star quarterback Jared Curtis, who has now committed to Vanderbilt University.
Taking over the quarterback duties for Nashville Christian is junior Tate Mathis, who is expected to blend the experience of a seasoned offense with the fresh energy of younger players.
Despite the sweltering conditions and the personnel changes, each program is emphasizing improvement and a renewed push toward state titles, hoping that early‑morning sessions will translate into stronger performances when the regular season arrives.