Cullman's players run through a gamut of exercises to get warmed up during the first day of fall practice early Monday morning at Oliver Woodard Stadium.

Cullman hit the field at Oliver Woodard Stadium early Monday morning for its first fall practice following a playoff-less season since 2005 and only the second in the Mark Britton era.

With the 2015 campaign set to open Aug. 21 at home against Arab, the Bearcats have only 18 days to put together the pieces for a potential postseason return. They’ll aim to do just that with their fair share of veterans — mostly on the defensive side — and fresh faces all over the field.

Standing in Cullman’s way for the second straight year is the gauntlet known as Class 6A, Region 8. Florence is the favorite to defend its title, but there’s hardly a weak link from top to bottom with Muscle Shoals, Decatur, Hartselle, Austin and Athens rounding out the group.

It won’t be long now before Friday night lights are turned back on and stadiums around the county and state are filled with fans hungry for pigskin. In the meantime, check out a glance of this year’s Cullman Bearcats below and a full story, roster and team picture in The Times’ annual prep football preview section on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

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2015 Cullman Bearcats At-A-Glance

Head coach: Mark Britton, 15th year at Cullman

Last year’s record: 5-5

Key departures: Brontae Harris, DB/RB; Daniel Hunter, C; Connor Moon, LB; Will Crenshaw, RB; Maison Goodwin, WR; Seth Donaldson, WR; Owen Lovell, WR; Ben Johnson, OL; Sam Calligaris, LB; Chase Slocumb, DB; Jacob Mills, OL

Key returners: Justin Patterson, LB; Ross Crocker, QB; Ethan McMinn, DB; Dalton Yerby, LB/P; Chance Wisener, C; Zach Glenn, DB; Logan Shugarts, DB; Garret Cornelius, LB; Dawson Drake, WR; Tyler Nunnelley, OL; Brady Wix, DL; Wil Blaylock, DL

Key newcomers: Reese Harbison, WR; Ezra Burks, RB; Josh Skinner, RB; Cort Chandler, LB/DL; Caleb Lipsey, LB; Chase Landrum, DL

Odds and ends: All-State first-team defensive lineman Justin Patterson has shifted from the end to middle linebacker. The senior, who said the biggest college looking at him is Alabama, had a 6A-high 14 sacks a year ago. Junior Hunter Brannon has also flipped from the defensive line to left tackle on offense … Britton added two assistant coaches and a number of volunteers to his staff over the offseason. Josh Clements and Casey Rodgers will work with the offensive line and wide receivers, respectively. Zac Hudson (ninth grade and varsity) and former Cullman quarterback Tyler Caldwell (quarterbacks and wide receivers) are new from Good Hope. The receivers position was opened after Jake Johnson became assistant principal at Fairview Elementary … Seniors Chance Wisener and Zach Glenn were voted offensive and defensive captains by their teammates.

Coach speak: “That’s what the next two weeks are about — a lot of decisions to be made at a lot of positions. But the thing I like is the kids have a great attitude. They’ve had a great offseason and have worked very hard. I know they’re very excited about football season finally getting here.” — Britton

Player speak: “We struggled a little bit last year, but it was a really hard region. I think we’ll be better this year learning a lot from last year.” — Wisener

“On the field, I think everybody’s going to be a leader. I don’t think there’s going to be many followers. I think all the followers already quit.” — Patterson

“It’s right around the corner. We’re going to be playing here real soon. It’s going to be awesome.” — Dawson Drake

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2015 schedule

Aug. 21 vs. Arab

Aug. 28 vs. Etowah

Sept. 4 OPEN

Sept. 11 at Florence*

Sept. 18 vs. Austin*

Sept. 25 vs. Fayette County

Oct. 2 at Athens*

Oct. 9 vs. Hartselle*

Oct. 16 at Decatur*

Oct. 23 vs. Muscle Shoals*

Oct. 30 at Russellville

* Class 6A, Region 8 game