Grinding it out

TERRIBLE TWOS: Two-a-days begin in Milam County

Rockdale High School football players got back to the grind this week, opening two-a-day workouts on Monday with 80 players, according to Coach Jeff Miller. Last year, the Tigers had 107 players on the first day.

“A few didn’t show that surprised us and a few have moved,” Miller said.

The players’ attitudes were upbeat and they were ready to start the season, according to Miller.

This year, due to teacher in-service seminars being held at the schools at earlier times, new teachers reported for work Monday and the Tigers practiced in 98 degree weather from 5-8 p.m., instead of the slightly cooler mornings that most teams in Texas practice in.

“I was worried how they would handle the heat,” said Miller. “But we really seemed to handle it pretty well.”

The 2018 Tigers will feature a lot of new players. Miller said they’re young, so there will definitely be a learning curve.

“We are inexperienced in several positions, so it will be a little bumpy at times,” he said.

The players were engaged on the first day of practice, Miller said.

The Tigers will have their first scrimmage 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 17 in Groesbeck, and their first game will be in Giddings 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 31. District play will start on Oct. 5, when the Tigers host Manor New Tech in their first ever game at the brand new Tiger Stadium.

Meet the Tigers –

Meet the Tigers social and cake auction is set for 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13 at RHS Gymnasium.

The Rockdale Tiger Athletic Booster Club hosts the family night every year to help raise money for the Rockdale High School athletic programs, according to Susan Boyd, a board member. John Fisher will be the auctioneer of the event, she said. He will auction off baked goods prepared by varsity football team members.

“It’s my understanding that some of the cakes this year are going to be a bit more elaborate,” she said.

All the members of the freshman, junior varsity and varsity football teams will be introduced to Rock-dale residents. The coaching staff and athletic trainers will be introduced as well. The Tiger Big Blue Band will perform the school fight song “Tiger Fight Song” and “Exodus.” Members of the volleyball, cross country and cheer teams and the Golden Girls will also be introduced.

Milano – Head Coach Chad Lagrone had 32 players suit up for their first early morning practice on Monday, Aug. 6, compared to last year’s 51.

“Enthusiasm was high,” said Lagrone, who is entering his thirteenth season as Milano High School head football coach. “We were ready to get started.”

The Eagles have their first scrimmage in Anderson-Shiro on Thursday, Aug. 23, and will play their first game the following week on Friday, Aug. 31, in Grapeland. District play will start on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Thrall where they will face the Tigers.

Thorndale – Coach Scott Hawkins’ Bulldogs will have their first scrimmage against Centerville on Friday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m., and their first game will be against Bremond 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7. Their first district game will be in Rosebud-Lott 7:30 pm., Friday, Sept. 28.