OKEECHOBEE- Football camp is already underway at Okeechobee High School. But the first official date that a padded practice is allowed by the Florida High School Athletic Association wasn't until Aug. 7.

The Okeechobee Brahmans kicked things off as early as possible with a little midnight madness. They hosted their first open scrimmage at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 7.

“It was pretty awesome,” said head coach Kenny Buckner. “When we first talked about it, a couple people thought I was crazy. I was thinking we’d have like 25 people show up and it wouldn’t be a big deal. But we probably had 300 to 350 people all together. The parents were absolutely amazing. The got together and helped feed the kids that night. It went really well. I was overwhelmed.”

Midnight madness could become a new tradition for the Brahmans as they attempt create and install winning mentality in Okeechobee.

“Coming in new as a coach you always try to bring something new, a mentality or mindset,” explained coach Buckner. “The kids had a good time with it. I thought defensively we looked pretty good. Offensively we looked good at times, but made a lot of mental mistakes. Still, that’s to be expected starting out. You know, it’s their first day in full pads. If this was next week I’d be disappointed as all get out. But not now.”

Former Brahman assistant coach Kenny Buckner has picked up the reins of the program following coach Ty Smith’s departure in May. The 2021 season marks Buckner’s first return to the sidelines in five years.

The Brahmans are coming off a 5-4 season that saw them qualify for the playoffs. They finished the 2020 regular season with an absolutely dominating blowout victory over Glades Day, winning 62-57.