The Drake University football team moved into its second week of practice in preparation for its 2013 season and both players and coaches alike are pleased with the progress the defending Pioneer Football League Champions have made to date.

“Things are going well, we have a long way to go, but I like our team,” head coach Chris Creighton said following Tuesday's practice in full pads.

“This was only our second full-padded practice today,” Creighton said. “It's crucial on those days where we're in full pads, that we take advantage of that. We feel really good that we worked on the things we needed to work on today.”

That has been the case in the first week of practice as the veterans hone their skills while helping the newcomers adjust to the rigors of Division I football.

“The first week of camp went really well, it was a long week, but the young guys are coming along great,” veteran offensive lineman Matt Purdom said.

Both veterans and newcomers will be asked to focus even more this week as the coaching staff begins the transition from teaching and installing the playbook to refining it.

“It feels as though we're about to start that process,” Creighton said. “The defense installs a little differently than the offense and they're looking good. Offensively, the meat of it is installed and it's just a matter of fine-tuning and getting better.”

With a week full of learning behind them, the players' challenge in the coming week will be generating and maintaining the mental focus needed to put together another title run.

“We just have to be mentally tough this week,” Purdom said. “It's the middle of camp and we have three two-a-day practices in the next week. It can drag a little bit and bring you down, but we're focusing on being mentally tough and pushing through.”

The Bulldogs open up the 2013 season against Grand View on Aug. 29. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at Drake Stadium. To purchase season or individual game tickets for the upcoming season, click here.