FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Less than two weeks away from the start of football season, the Southside Mavericks now have their new mascot's logo on the field.
"Our kids have been phenomenal," head football coach, Jeff Williams said. "We've had to make some adjustments as far as practicing in different areas, and not just us, but the band, drill team, cheerleaders. It's been an adjustment. Once it's all done, it's going to be beautiful with our new track and our field, and our guys are very excited about it."
With the new field not quite ready yet, coaches cancelled the scrimmage game that was scheduled for Friday (August 19). The first time players will set foot on the new football field, will be during week two of the upcoming football season in their first home game against Greenwood on September 9.
"I'm actually kind of sad, because I was looking forward to that," kicker, Derek Gutierrez said. "We got to get past it. We have a scrimmage Monday (August 22) against Alma, so I'm ready for that."
The team has had to practice elsewhere while the new field is being worked on.
"Luckily, we still have a grass field up at the top on the other side of the indoor [facility] where we practice there," Coach Williams said. "It's still in good shape. That's one thing our kids have done a great job about. We're practicing over here, I haven't heard one complaint."
It has been an adjustment for players, though.
"Well, the grass is actually real grass," Gutierrez said. "It's also a lot thicker, so kicking on that, it's a different experience. It's harder, that's for sure."
But, Coach Williams said his team is ready to go.
"They're excited about it," Coach Williams said. "Everybody's ready for football season, they've been working hard and putting time in. It's been hot and practicing and things like that. They're ready to start playing the regular season."
The Mavericks first game will be at Springdale Har-Ber on September 2.
For a full football schedule for Southside High School, you can visit here.