How Georgia reduced heat-related high school football deaths

Football players at Cedar Grove High School in DeKalb County start practice in late July without pads to give them an acclimatization period to get used to the heat. This is a statewide rule from the Georgia High School Association. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

ELLENWOOD, Ga. — High school football teams around the country are starting training this time of year, including the Cedar Grove Saints.

On a hot, humid morning, players were doing drills on the field behind their suburban Atlanta high school as head coach John Adams gave them guidance and encouragement.