It’s been a rainy few days as high school football practice officially started, and they Florala Wildcats have done everything they can to get prepared for the opening game.

“It’s been wet all week,” Wildcat head coach Scott Mason said. “We’ve been run inside nearly every single day this week.”

Even with the rain, Mason said that they been able to get some things put in place.

“We were able to get a few things done,” Mason said. “It’s not near where we need to be, but with the way the weather has been that’s all we can do. The guys have responded well. I’ve been pleased with them.”

Mason said that there have been bright spots that he has seen from his team.

“The attitude and effort has been great,” Mason said. “I really appreciate what the guys have brought to practice. Guys are buying in and doing everything they can to learn.”

One thing that the kids are excited about is the new offense, Mason said.

“They are excited about the new system,” Mason said. “They are enjoying it and I’ve been seeing improvements in their understanding of the new system. That’s a great thing when you start seeing everyone get on the same page.”

Mason said that one thing working against them is the team’s inexperience.

“Right now, we are just very young,” Mason said. “We have one senior and just a handful of juniors. Those guys were baptized by fire last year and we are going to have to do that again this year. There isn’t anything you can do to make them grow up faster, but we still have ways to go. We have to learn how win. All we can do is coach them up right and let them learn. It will be trial by fire this year for a lot of them.”

Regardless of the youthfulness, Mason said he is ready for the season.

“I’ve been real pleased with the effort on the field,” Mason said. “They are giving me everything they have. I’ve also been impressed by the support from the community. They have told me that they have seen a change in this team, and we are all ready to get the season started.”