LITTLE ROCK, AR - High schools around the state kickoff football practices during one of the hottest stretches of weather in Arkansas.
FOX16’s David Goins was with the Central High Tigers in Little Rock as the opening whistle blew at 6:30 Monday morning.
Head Coach Scooter Register says he's focused on bringing the Tigers back to prominence.
At the same time, Register says he's aware of the potentially deadly toll the heat can take on his players.
"You really have to watch these players, we've been stressing this all summer," Register says. "They've got to take care of themselves away from here."
Senior guard Cole Wilson says he's looking forward to a long season but says he wasn't exactly excited when saw the forecast on Sunday.
"It said 110F and the first thing i did was sigh," Wilson says. "But as long as we keep hydrated and keep a cool head about how feel, we should be okay."
The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) does not regulate when high schools have to give players breaks but does provide suggested guidelines through its
"Hot Weather Hints" on its website.
In addition the governing body of the
AAA passed regulations in June dictating duration and level of contact in the first week of practice.
Tyler Davenport of Lamar is the last Arkansas high school football player to die as a result of heat exhaustion. He collapsed during practice in August 2010 and died two months later.
