The piercing sound of the coaches whistle rings out across the scorching turf field. The boys in blue hustle out onto the field and surround the coach as he addresses them. It’s summertime in Rocklin, which means that preparation for the impending football season has just begun.

Rocklin High School’s football team has had an impressive history, complete with section titles, multiple playoff wins and a state championship appearance. They have competed in the toughest league in Northern California, and boasted a good, not great, 6 win season last year. However, everyone starts somewhere, and all of the success our boys have had has not come without work.

The summertime is the prime time that preparation for the next football season, pun intended, heats up. Even though the players continue hitting the gym and lifting in the mornings year round, summer is when they can finally use their pads and start learning and designing plays.

Caleb Banks, a soon to be senior on the team, says “summer is the best time for football in my opinion. I love the grind that comes with the sport, and the best time to grind is in the summer.”

The grind Caleb is talking about of course is the scorching heat and stiff competition that takes place at the Varsity level. No one’s spot is secure, so battling against your teammates to fill 11 offensive and defensive positions is required day in and day out during the pre season. 

The Thunder will be hoping for as pleasant as they can be conditions this summer, and will also be hoping to string together yet another successful season in 2018.