The first time the Cambridge Bears hold an official football practice will be a night to remember ­– a late night to remember, in fact, as the new high school will turn on the lights in its football stadium at midnight Tuesday for Midnight Growl.

According to a news release from the Cambridge Bears Athletic Association, "The brand new high school may be behind all established football programs, but the Bears will be the first team in Georgia to start preparing for the inaugural 2012 season."

The Georgia High School Athletic Association doesn't allow football practice until Aug. 1. Cambridge High Principal Ed Spurka has allowed the team to get the earliest possible start.

Head Football Coach Craig Bennett said the Bears are excited about the first Midnight Growl, and are hoping for a good turnout from students, families, Milton residents and football fans from North Fulton. The entire Cambridge community is invited to gather at the new stadium Tuesday evening and usher in a new era of high school football when the clock reaches midnight.
It also is a chance for most of the public to get a first look at the new stadium, which will open on Aug. 13.

Coach Bennett said he is anxious to work out his new team, which has enjoyed surprisingly high registration numbers from players.

The gates will open Tuesday evening at 11 p.m., and the lights will come on for the first time right at midnight.

The coach said on the school's website that practice will be approximately three hours long. From 3 a.m.-5 a.m., they will do team building exercises, speeches and have leadership lessons. He's looking for parent volunteers to come to the stadium and feed the players breakfast.

After all of that, the players have the rest of Wednesday off before returning for the team's second practice on Thursday.

Cambridge Bears 2012 Season

Aug. 1 – Midnight Growl

Aug. 16 – Blessed Trinity scrimmage (TBA)

Aug. 31 – Riverwood, 7:30 p.m. (Home Opener)

Sept. 14, – South Forsyth, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 –  Osborne, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 – at Pope 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 – Northview*, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 – at Forsyth Central*, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 – at Creekview *, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 – North Springs *, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 – at Sequoyah*, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 – Region Play-In Game @ Location TBD 7:30pm