PARADISE, Calif. -- Despite everything being taken from them in the Camp Fire last year, the Paradise High School football team is ready to kick off its season. 

"It's good to be back," said head coach Rick Prinz. "We got a lot of work to do. We're not sure of our strengths and weaknesses yet, but we feel like we're behind from where we've been in year's past, but hard work can overcome a lot of things."

Thirty-five players attended this week's camp. Prinz said only two players live in Paradise, which means the rest had to drive a long way to get to camp. Prinz said this shows dedication to the team. 

Due to a drop in the school's population, the Bobcats will play in an independent league this season. They played in the Eastern Athletics League in year's past. 

"It's going to be interesting and different," said senior Lukas Hartley. "But, I mean at the end of the day you put on your shoulder pads and win. It doesn't matter who's in front of you."

The team made playoffs last season, but did not compete due to the Camp Fire. Prinz said 17 players returned from last season. 

"I think we're just going to show out this year," said Hartley. No matter what. Like I said, always put your money on the person that has nothing to lose and that's all of these kids, all of us. Expect a show." 

The Bobcats first game is on August 23rd against Williams.