As the summer winds down and a new school year looms, armies of warriors prepare for a new season of battle on the gridiron, as high school football gets set for its opening kickoff. Practicing during the day with heat indexes often soaring above 100 degrees, staying hydrated is just as important as hiking, punting and passing. Here, thirsty players at Bradenton Christian School gather around a watering station, half drinking and half showering in the cool water to temporarily escape from the heat. But not to fear, by the final weeks of the football frenzy, we will all be wondering where our jackets are and trying to stay warm.

GJEFFERIES@BRADENTON.COM Buy Photo