By KRISTIN HOGANS | The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — With football season two weeks away, three stars of the 2010 Bulldog football team are making sure they don’t take any days off.

Javon Washington, 19, Detrique Sims, 18, and Joey Bruce, 19, were practicing football drills Friday afternoon when The Dart landed at Natchez High.

All three athletes are 2011 graduates of the school and said they have been practicing every day for about two hours this summer, working a variety of drills, like, footwork, speed, ball, covering and cone drills.

Bruce, Washington and Sims said they have a passion for football and want to continue getting better day-by-day.

These NHS graduates started playing football together at Robert Lewis Middle School and continued to play for the NHS football team.

Washington is now a wide receiver for Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson and Sims is trying out to be a defensive back for Alcorn State University. Bruce said he doesn’t play anymore with a team, but still motivates his friends to play.

Bruce said he wants to become a physical trainer one day, and he helps keep Sims and Washington in check.

“I’ve been getting (Washington) right since spring,” Bruce said.

Sims said college ball is different from his high school days, specifically in intensity and speed. He also said there is more responsibility when playing for a college team.

Washington said he didn’t get much playing time last season but should be a starter this football season and hopes to one day play in the NFL. Washington said football can put food on the table.

“That’s why I’m out here now. It’s my dream,” Washington said.

Sims said he also has dreams of being in the NFL , but if not he plans to work for Dell in Texas, building computers.

Sims said Washington pushes both himself and Bruce to be better athletes.

The young men said to play football they must keep a positive attitude and stay motivated.

“Never give up, and stay humble while doing it,” Sims said.

In getting ready for the football season, they have been resting and putting in extra work to start their sophomore year in college, said the athletes.

Washington, Bruce and Sims cherish the memories they shared on the field together, but said they are excited to see what the future holds for them.

Bruce is the son of Sandra Bruce; Washington is the son of Tami and Joseph Washington; and Sims is the son of Detress Sims and Robert Hargrave.