The grind continued for members of Ceres High School’s football program this past week.

Verlis Smith and the Bulldogs dedicated time to weight training, conditioning and football-specific skills on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

They also ran offensive plays.

“Our numbers are still pretty high,” the junior receiver/defensive back said. “I’m proud of the guys that have been out here every day putting in work. It’s a step closer to where we need and want to be. Lifting weights is a big plus for us. That will get us to the next level.”

Smith and Co. are 100 percent committed to wanting to get better. 

They worked out, from 6-8 a.m., last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“It’s all discipline, wanting to be out there,” Smith said. 

Social distancing is being practiced to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Bulldog players sanitize weight-room equipment before and after use.

“We have certain guidelines we have to follow,” Ceres High head coach Clinton Goblirsch said. “The guys are broken up into groups and rotated around. They’re split up to minimize the size of groups. We try to do as much stuff as we can outside. Masks have to be worn any time we’re inside.”

Student-athletes from Ceres Unified School District’s two public high schools were given the green light to resume conditioning workouts on campus on Sept. 21.

Extracurricular activities, including sports, had been suspended until further notice on July 13 due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Stanislaus County.

The start of the 2019 high school football campaign was moved from Aug. 21 to Jan. 8 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 benchmarks must be met prior to the season getting underway.

“December 7 is our first official day of practice,” Smith said. “That’s all we’ve been thinking about. We’re getting closer and closer to the start of the season. I can’t wait. Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best. That’s my mindset.”