Knoxville (WVLT) - Local high school football players will begin practice in about two weeks, and doctors are warning players to stay hydrated.

Volunteer TV's Max Orenstein caught up with the team to see how they're preparing for the weeks ahead on and off of the field.

The pop of the pads is the signal of a new year for the Bearden High School football team, but to even consider recapturing last year's success, the Bulldogs know they must keep their cool during the scorching hot summer practices.

"We take plenty of water breaks and those types of things," Bearden Head Football coach Brad Taylor said.

If the heat index is over 95, their athletic trainer will not allow them to go outside and practice. The players will be given water bottles to take with them so they can stay cool during the hot and grueling summer days...

But even before hitting the field...Football players need to fill up says Dr. Richard Cunningham.

"Really and truly, the kids just need to drink fluids before hand so they don't get in that situation where they're in trouble," Cunningham said.

Trouble like suffering from heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. Cunningham says that happens when players stop sweating, as they have lost so much fluid that they can't cool their bodies down. A situation coaches can avoid.

"The best way to do it is to allow players to get water whenever they feel like it because if the kids wait till they're too thirsty to drink, it's usually too late," Cunningham said..

And as for Coach Taylor, he knows before a pass is thrown or the a route is run, keeping the players hydrated comes first.

"I think everybody is very conscious about hydration and the heat it's definitely something that's in the front of all football coaches minds especially this time of year," Taylor said.

Dr. Cunningham says players should avoid drinking "energy drinks" as they can cause dehydration easily. Drink water during the first hour of competition. After that, replenish with sports drinks such as gatorade or powerade.