BOGUE CHITTO — The Bogue Chitto Bobcat football team is workinghard to get ready for the fall season. Every Monday, Tuesday andThursday night, the Bobcats hit the weight room and then thefootball field for lots of running.

The Bobcats are working out under the watchful eyes of headcoach Gareth Sartin and powerlifting coach Chad Norton.

Bogue Chitto finished last season with a 6-6 record and made theClass 1A South state playoffs.

“It’s been going good,” said Sartin, referring to the offseasonworkouts. “We’ve had good turnout”

According to Sartin, they are averaging 25-30 players which isabout the size of this year’s football team.

“The juniors are a really dedicated bunch,” explained Sartin. “Iam really pleased with all of them. We run. We go out three times aweek, after lifting.”

One of the juniors hitting the weight room is Fred Tillman (6-0,265) who plays defensive tackle.

“I like the squats,” said Tillman when asked about his favoriteweightlifting workout. “I like to work on my legs more. We work outthree days a week. We’ll run 10-10s (100 yards) and 14-40s(dashes). I am enjoying it.”

Seth Avants (5-10, 150) is the starting quarterback and freesafety, starting his junior season. Avants like the squat as wellas the bench press.

“I like the bench press and the squat,” said Avants. “I like theweightlifting program a lot.”

One junior Bobcat who really enjoys the weight program is JoshWallace (5-8, 230) who plays offensive guard.

Wallace finished second in state in the 230-pound division andbroke a state record this year. He bench presses 330 pounds andsquats with 450 pounds.

“I like the bench press because it helps keep me up the(defensive) linemen,” explained Wallace. “Squatting helps me withmy speed. I’m working on my legs, trying to get stronger.”

Norton echoed Sartin’s praise for the Bobcat team.

“We are doing pretty good, about 70 percent are out,” saidNorton. “They are working out hard. It helps them (athletes) feelbetter in every aspect. They are getting bigger for theirsize.”

The Bobcats begin preseason drills Aug. 6. Their first game isAug. 31.

“They have been one one of our best groups,” added Sartin Theyreally work hard. I am real proud of them.”