GO TO TAYLORPRESS.NET TO SEE MORE FALL PRACTICE PHOTOS
The Granger and Thrall football teams both opened fall practice this past week as they work through the UILmandated four-day acclimation period.
Thrall Head Coach Aaron Vanecek spoke about what he has seen from the Tigers during their first few days back on the field.
“We have had a really good week so far,” Vanecek said. “It’s been an exciting time. We had really good summer participation, and it feels like we’ve carried that momentum into fall camp. The energy has been great.”
Granger Head Coach Gaston McDorman also liked what he saw from the Lions during the opening days of practice.
“I think everything’s been going pretty well,” McDorman said. “The kids have brought a lot of energy, and our install has been going really well. This is Year 2 in our new defensive system, and we are miles ahead of where we were last year.”
The two teams enter the season facing different challenges. Thrall returns the majority of its starters from last season, while Granger must replace much of its production from a year ago.
Vanecek said the experience and leadership of his veteran roster have allowed the Tigers to move through camp at a faster pace.
“It’s critical,” Vanecek said. “Last year, we had a four-quarterback competition and didn’t know who was going to start, so it was a much slower teaching process. Now we return 15 seniors, and the leadership from that group has been phenomenal. They are driving the tempo and the energy, so we’ve been able to work on more advanced things.”
Despite having so many new faces, McDorman believes the Lions have embraced the opportunity and haven’t skipped a step.
“We’ve hit the ground running,” McDorman said. “We had a really good July with our football skill sessions, and we told them there was a level we wanted to be at by Aug. 3. They want to be the next group to step up, and they’ve really taken to that challenge and done a good job.”
Both coaches also discussed the UIL’s new wet-bulb temperature regulations as schools across Texas adjust to the new safety guidelines. McDorman said scheduling earlier practices has helped Granger avoid the hottest parts of the day, while Vanecek said Thrall has the benefit of practicing later because the school’s hilly surroundings provide more wind and naturally cooler conditions.
Both teams will wrap up the UIL’s fourday acclimation period before transitioning into full-pad practices next week as preparations for the 2026 season continue to ramp up.
Thrall linebackers work through drills during fall practice.
Granger runs through quarterback and running back ball skills during fall practice. Photos by Larry Pelchat
