Dexter Football Teams Take to Practice Fields Under Sunny Skies

High school football teams across Michigan took to the practice fields on Monday for the first time since spring.

Monday was the first day Dexter High School coaches could see what all their players had at full speed.

"We're a pretty young team this year," varsity football coach Brian Baird said. "Our goal is to go 1-0 right now. After that, we'l adjust our strategy for game two."

Last year Dexter went 3-6 in the regular season. The Dreadnaughts are returning 18 players and graduated 35 seniors with the Class of 2012.

"This week we're focused on running, blocking and tackling," Baird said.  "It's basic football for us. We're just trying to do the basic things to get these guys ready for our first scrimmage."

With Monday's temperatures dipping into the low 80s, Baird said his coaching staff is taking extra precaution with players' health.

"Players can get water whenever they need it," he said. "We've scheduled practice in the early afternoon so we're not running these kids in the heat."

As for his outlook for the upcoming season, Baird said that remains to be seen.

"I have a lot of confidence in our kids, but it's the first day of practice, so it's too early to make any predictions," he said.

The Dreadnaughts will face Fowlerville on Aug. 24 at home for the season opener. For more information about the varsity and junior varsity teams, visit https://sites.google.com/site/dextertouchdownclub/