FERRIDAY — The Delta Charter School football program is approximately 40 days away from kickstarting its first season in serving as an LHSAA playoff-eligible team.

In preparation for its highly-anticipated campaign, first-year DCS coach Zach Rogel put his team through a rigorous test Monday through Wednesday.

The Storm traveled to Brushy Creek Ranch in Gloster, where there were no tackling dummies, no blocking sleds or film sessions at this camp.

Instead, Rogel had a different idea in mind.

“It was very boot camp-like,” Rogel said. “We told the kids it was going to be a retreat.”

Players left behind their phones and slept in cabins together, taking part in running drills and numerous team-oriented events.

“They were shocked at first,” Rogel said. “There were some low points, but there were more high points than low points.”

Rogel said there was also plenty of fun to be had as well as the team took part in some old-fashioned pick-up football games.

“(Rogel) kind of whipped up on us some,” senior D’Coven England said. “He’s the most in-shape 29 year old I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Brushy Creek Ranch is a 64-acre expanse of land that’s littered with cabins, horses and serves primarily as a family camp and retreat throughout the year.

“It’s out in the middle of the forest,” ranch owner Chris Kimball said. “It’s just the wild and the horses.”

Rogel said the goal of the trip was to bring the team closer and improve communication throughout the team.

“I had a couple of players voice some concern,” Rogel said. “They felt like they were on the right track, but they wanted to come closer as a team. We wanted to get them away from all of the distractions.”

And improve they did.

“When we first got there, we all wished we had stayed at home,” England said. “But once the day progressed, and we learned what we were going to get into, we started coming closer together.”

Kimball noted it was an amazing experience to witness the development and the chemistry established among the players.

“I’m really pleased with the coaching staff for thinking out of the box and building team chemistry,” he said. “I don’t see any other programs in the area doing things like this.”

Rogel said the time away proved to be highly beneficial.

“I think team morale is at an all-time high,” he said. “It was a huge success. It was time well spent.”

The Storm will put their newfound bond to the test in its season opener Sept. 3 at Lake Charles College Prep.

“Coming from last year where we finished on such a great note, I feel like this is going to put us over the top,” England said. “In my opinion, I feel like we can do great things this year.”