ORANGEFIELD — A swarm of Bobcat athletes have been working hard throughout the summer as they prepare for their upcoming seasons as Orangefield High School athletic facilities have been hopping.

“We’ve by far, had the biggest turnout we’ve had in the six years I’ve been here,” said Orangefield Athletic Director and head football coach Josh Smalley. “We’ve been averaging 80 to 90 kids a day, that are hitting the weights, the track and working on their conditioning.”

The Lady Bobcats have shown up in force as well, especially the volleyball players, who will get to play for first-year head coach Ashlee Broussard.

“We’ve been getting close to 40 girls up here a day and they’ve been working hard at it too,” said Smalley. “Of course, good old Southeast Texas, so you know it’s been hot, and that’s only going to be able to improve their stamina more as well.”

In football, the Bobcats went 5-6 last season, 22 in District 12-4A Division II, finishing in a three-way tie for second. They made the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, falling to Region III semifinalist Bellville in the bidistrict round of the playoffs.

The Bobcats will return six starters on each side of the ball.

Key returners on offense include versatile back Christian Louvier and quarterback Mason Gonzales along withy excellent lineman Aaron Galitz. Blake Bradley is back after being a standout on both sides of the ball along with Michael Teeples. Safety Zach Dischler returns to anchor the secondary and the Bobcats return the best kicker in the district in Jacob Rainey.

‘We’re looking forward to getting things cranked up and go for the goals that we have,” said Smalley. “We’ve got some good kids coming back. We’ve got a whole lot of our size back with kids that gained a lot of experience. We’ll be looking for a few young skill people to step up, especially a few sophomores. We’re losing a good back in Christopher McGee, who had over 1,100 yards.”

The Bobcats will report for the first day of practice Aug. 7. Players will report at 7 a.m. and will look to start their first workout by 8 a.m.

“It’s getting really close when you think about it, even though the first Monday in August isn’t until Aug. 7, which makes things a little different,” said Smalley. “Scrimmages start a week later, season a week later and the playoffs too. What’s good for us as our coaching staff has pretty much stayed intact over the years. Those guys know what they’re doing and love what they do and the kids really know the system well.”

The Bobcats will have team picture and media mugshot day on Aug. 12 at 8 a.m.

The Bobcats will have two home scrimmages. The first one will be against Shepherd Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. and the next one will be against Splendora Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Orangefield will open its season on the road Sept. 1 at old rival Buna.