OHS Lions hold midnight practice

Ozona—Music blared over speakers and floodlights flashed across Lions Stadium as two lines of students and football fans welcomed the Ozona High School (OHS) Lions football team and coaches onto the field, kicking off the new season with the team’s annual Midnight Madness practice.

The Lions, led by Coach Jarryd Taylor, began practice at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 31. The practice began in the first moments UIL rules allow football teams to practice for the 2023 season. Several OHS families celebrated the beginning of football season with evening tailgating.

“We’ve been out here since 5 p.m. setting up and getting ready for the new season,” Victoria Ramos, mother of a sophomore varsity player, said.

Ramos said the football team did not want to waste any time.

“Ever since we started this two years ago, it has become something everyone looks forward to that gets our adrenaline pumping,” Ramos said. “This is what we have been waiting for all year. It kicks off the school year. We get to start with a clean slate and no mistakes.

“The boys all know that you practice like you play. They want to do well this season.”

Laura Taylor, wife of Coach Taylor, brought their children, ages 6, 4, and 8 months to watch the late practice.

“It’s a lot of fun to be out here with my kids to support the team,” Taylor said. “The toughness and momentum of the energy is what we all look forward to. I’m excited for this season and to see what our boys will do.”

In attendance were the OHS cheerleaders, freshly returned from Cheer Camp, supporting the players.