BANGS – The familiarity the Bangs Dragons now have with second-year head coach Colton Buzzard resulted in a much sharper workout to start the 2025 football season Monday at Memorial Stadium.
“It’s tremendous having the kids really buying in and trusting you,” said Buzzard, who added what stood out most at the initial practice was, “the confidence and knowing what to do and the energy. I felt like the energy was really good. The kids were excited to be here and be back at it. The culture change is a big deal and I feel like it’s going in the right direction.”
For the second year in row, Buzzard and company opted to start the season with a midnight practice, which was attended by approximately 100 people.
“It was awesome again,” Buzzard said of the midnight practice. “There was a good turnout, a lot of parents here, a lot of fans and none of the kids missed. The kids love it and it’s something we’ll probably do as long as I’m here.”
Buzzard stated 55 players reported for the first practice between the varsity and JV squads.
“It’s up from last year so that means we’re doing something right if more kids are trying to come out for football,” Buzzard said.
The Dragons will start practice at 6 a.m. the rest of the week, with the exception of Saturday as work will begin at 7 a.m. The ‘Meet the Dragons’ event is also set for Saturday.
Bangs will then host Valley Mills Friday, Aug. 15 in its first scrimmage, and venture to Goldthwaite Thursday, Aug. 21 for the final scrimmage. The Dragons open the regular season Friday, Aug. 29 at Early.
The Dragons finished with a 2-8 record in Buzzard’s first year at Bangs in 2024.
