2026 season opens with Annual Midnight Madness Tradition

RICHMOND, Va. – The 2026 season officially began just after midnight Thursday as Huguenot Football opened preseason camp with its annual Midnight Madness tradition at Richard McFee Field, marking the first day Virginia High School League teams were permitted to begin preseason practice.

Players began arriving at the school around 11:50 p.m. on July 29, but remained in the parking lot until midnight in accordance with VHSL regulations, which prohibit teams from beginning official preseason practice before July 30. As the calendar turned to a new day, the Falcons made their way through the gates together, officially beginning another season with championship aspirations.

One of the program’s most recognizable traditions once again highlighted the evening. Head coach Charles Scott Sr. encourages players to arrive dressed in some of their best outfits as they symbolically walk into a new season, while the team’s photographer captures each player’s entrance before the work begins.

Following their arrival, the Falcons gathered inside the school’s forum for the first official team meeting of the year. Scott addressed the team with the expectations that have become the foundation of Huguenot Football, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the program’s standard while challenging every player to approach the season with purpose, discipline and hunger. He also reminded those with Division I offers and commitments that continued success depends on maintaining the same work ethic that created those opportunities.

The team then took the field for its first official practice of the 2026 campaign, working through offense, defense, special teams and competitive team periods with energy from the opening whistle.

One of the night’s biggest challenges came during Scott’s annual “40 40s,” a conditioning test consisting of forty 40-yard sprints that has become a staple of Huguenot preseason camp. The Falcons excelled throughout the demanding workout, showcasing the conditioning and preparation developed over the offseason.

Scott credited strength and conditioning coach Carl Smith, who took over the program’s offseason weight room, for having the roster physically prepared heading into camp. The team’s conditioning was evident throughout the practice as players maintained a high level of intensity from start to finish.

The first official practice also produced the largest opening-day turnout during Scott’s tenure at Huguenot. Veteran leaders helped set the tone while numerous junior varsity players impressed the coaching staff with their effort, athleticism and confidence, reinforcing the depth and future of the program.

Midnight Madness also attracted local media attention as Sean Robertson of CBS 6 (WTVR) visited Richard McFee Field to begin the station’s annual high school football preview coverage. Robertson interviewed Coach Scott and captured footage from the Falcons’ opening practice as anticipation continues to build for the 2026 season.

Following practice, the team gathered inside the cafeteria for breakfast provided by Faith and Family Church and Chef Mo & Family Catering, where players enjoyed biscuits, bacon, eggs, waffles, orange juice and apple juice before concluding the program’s first official day of camp.

After back-to-back Dominion District championships and a trip to the Region 4B Championship Game last season, expectations continue to rise around the program. With preseason camp now underway, the Falcons begin another journey focused on competing for a Region 4B title and pursuing the first VHSL Class 4 state championship in school history.