High School Football: Midnight madness ushers in a new season on the gridiron

The Witching Hour – Woodland, Kalama, Wahkiakum and Winlock stay up late to get an early jump on the 2026 prep football campaign

Two Woodland football players exchange a low five after completing their first set of drills during the Beavers’ annual midnight practice on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Woodland High School. / Photo by Skyler Smith for Blast Zone Media

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Prep Football / Preseason Camp

SOUTH COWLITZ COUNTY – In the world of high school football there are those who must run to keep from hiding. Their goal is to evade capture — especialy late in the game when they may find themselves down to their last silver dollar.

We will call them the Midnight Riders.

— The Woodland football team takes the field just after midnight for the Beavers’ annual midnight practice, officially kicking off the first day of fall football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Woodland High School. / Video by Skyler Smith for Blast Zone Media —

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