THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Odessa High School Athletics

The Odessa High Bronchos finished off the first full week of fall practice with a full-contact practice on Saturday at Coleman Field. And through that time, head coach Danny Servance is happy with the team’s progress. “I think we’re in a pretty good place,” Servance said, “They know the system well and they’re asking the questions we want them to ask using the same language that the coaches use.” “They’re reciprocating those things back to us. That’s how you can tell when kids are becoming more mature and understand what you’re trying to accomplish. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve seen so far.” For the players, Saturday’s practice in full pads was a chance to get back on the same page and to get back in rhythm going at full speed. “It certainly feels good to have the whole team back and firing 100 percent,” junior linebacker Cade Mendoza said. “I want to see everybody get to the ball and just getting after it as fast as they can.” The first half of Saturday’s two-hour practice session saw plenty of work on special teams for the Bronchos. It’s a point of emphasis for Servance and his team as the start of the season is now less than two weeks away. “We have to get better at every aspect,” he said. “We always preach how special teams can win and lose ballgames. That’s always at the top of the list.” “We have to be good with sudden change. We’re going to start working on some of those things where our kids don’t berserk and can handle changes resulting from explosive plays.” Handling change will be a theme for the Bronchos over the next week. With school starting Monday, the practice schedule will shift from morning workouts to afternoon practices. The players and coaches will need to adjust those routines but the work will not stop as they continue to prepare for this season. “I want to see everyone hustle,” senior running back and linebacker Josh Lara said. “They’re doing well but I want to see that fight.” As a senior, Lara will be just one member of an experienced group returning for the Bronchos looking to provide that leadership. “It’s pretty important,” Lara said. “I have a lot of people looking up to me and trying to lead the Bronchos and just trying to change the culture as Coach Servance says.” The Bronchos now turns to preparing for Friday’s scrimmage at Abilene Wylie before they travel to face Lubbock Monterey in the season opener on Aug. 30 at Lowrey Field. While they wait to play those games, Servance wants to see his team continue to grow and come together. “I think they’re trying to meet the expectations that we’re trying to set for this football team,” Servance said. “We talk about how great football teams do the little things well.” “We’re looking to get better as a football team in that area. We want to be like a well-oiled machine that’s fluid and executes well. That’s our goal.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Odessa High School Athletics

ODESSA HIGH MOVING FORWARD AFTER FIRST WEEK

TONY VENEGAS

Odessa American | 8/18/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Odessa Athletics