Editor’s note: This is the second in a series in which the Reporter will follow a Shelby County football team as it prepares for an upcoming game. A different team will be featured each week.

Watt Parker led the Chelsea Hornets on a dream ride a year ago, turning CHS around from an 0-10 season to a trip to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Much of the Hornets’ success came from a great work ethic implemented by Parker and his staff before each game.

That philosophy is no different this week as the Hornets prepare for a regional matchup with Hayden on the road.

The schedule, however, is a little different.

&uot;We had to change our normal routine this week because of the holiday (Labor Day) and the B-team had a home game on Tuesday night.&uot;

Most weeks, the Hornet players get started early in their preparation with an optional workout on Saturday. The coaching staff uses that time to watch film and start a game plan for next week’s opponent. The Hornets took last Saturday off for the Labor Day holiday.

Chelsea coaches and players did not, however, get Labor Day off.

Monday was business as usual.

Monday, 5-7 p.m.: Full pad practice.

Tuesday, fourth period: Tuesday began for the Hornets this week with weight training during fourth period.

Tuesday, 3:20 p.m.: Hornet practice began Tuesday with a short day ahead due to a B-team game that night at the &uot;Hornet’s Nest.&uot; Chelsea begins the practice schedule with stretching.

Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.: The Hornets go through a &uot;pat and go&uot; session.

Tuesday, 3:40 p.m.: The next five minutes are spent working on the punting team.

Emphasis is put on how important the kicking game can be in a game.

Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.: Punt return.

Tuesday, 3:50 p.m.: The next 10 minutes the coaching staff works on individual defense, preparing each player for their role on the defensive side of the ball against the Hayden offense.

Tuesday, 4 p.m.: Team defense, working on defending different sets Hayden will run Friday night.

Tuesday, 4:20 p.m.: Kickoff coverage.

Tuesday, 4:25 p.m.: Extra point/field goals.

Tuesday, 4:35 p.m.: The next 10 minutes the coaching staff works on individual offense, preparing each player for their role on the offensive side of the ball against the Hayden defense.

Tuesday, 4:45 p.m.: Offensive perimeter.

Tuesday, 4:55 p.m.: Team offense, working on plays for the different defensive sets Hayden will run Friday night.

Tuesday, 5:15 p.m.: HORNET.

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.: B-team game against Sylacauga.

Wednesday, fourth period: Film/running.

Wednesday, 3:20 p.m.: Practice in half shell begins with the same schedule as Tuesday, minus the B-team game.

Thursday, 7:15 a.m.: Study hall with emphasis put on academics.

Thursday, fourth period: Weight training.

Thursday, 3:20-4:30 p.m.: The Hornets prepare one last time for Hayden with a pre-game run-through.

The Hornets go over offensive, defensive and special teams plays and plans in shorts and helmets.

Game day, 7:30 a.m.: Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Game day, fourth period: Film/team meeting.

Game day, 3:05 p.m.: Hornets meet in the locker room.

Game day, 3:15 p.m.: Pre-game meal.

Game day, 4:15 p.m.: Leave for Hayden.

Game day, 5:30 p.m.: Arrive in Hayden.

Game day, 6:10 p.m.: Specialty/pre-game.

Game day, 7 p.m.: Kickoff