The 2026 high school football season began before sunrise for two area programs, as the Lytle Pirates and Holy Cross Knights opened practice at 12:01 a.m. Monday under the lights.

The KSAT sports team was there as both teams took the field for midnight workouts, marking the start of a new season and the first official step toward fall football.

For UIL programs, 12:01 a.m. is the earliest teams can begin practice under state rules.