Today's Sports

Twenty-one players participated in Bronson's first week of football practice, but Eagles coach Al Cooksey expects the number to rise to "between 24-27" by the start of the season.

Over the last few weeks, Bronson players have taken part in team bonding experiences. They are even planning a "lock-in" sometime this week.

Minutes before Thursday's dinner, there it was in plain sight: the exact purpose of Chiefland football team's two-night stay at Otter Springs Park & Campground.

Players and coaches circled up in a corner of their 3,300-square foot lodge, shouting, laughing and even freestyle rapping. For readers who don't know, "freestyling" is where rap lyrics are improvised, not pre-planned or written.

Families and features come first at Bronson Speedway, which has fired the engines up after more than a year without racing.

Most tracks race heats first, but by running features first, new owner Ann Young hopes to keep families on the edge of their seats before bedtime.

Bronson starts fall practices on Monday short on staff. Coach Al Cooksey lost two volunteer assistants in the past few weeks and hopes to find more soon.

“This coaching thing is a major concern right now,” Cooksey said. “I’ve been lucky that we have had some great coaches. We’re just looking for a few more because I need all the volunteer help I can find.”