To play varsity football anywhere requires discipline, but at Shafter High School, a couple players know the true meaning of hard work.

Seniors Gerardo Lara and Jonathan Cuevas are two examples. 

"I leave my house at 5 but be dressed and everything, I wake up at 4-4:15 a.m.," Cuevas said.

The two put in back-breaking work in the fields this summer before playing football.

Cuevas worked in the vineyards, Lara in the almond orchards.

"Oh yeah, you're bending your back and then you got to go and do the whole aisle the same thing, for 8 hours," Lara said.

After their shift, it was a quick shower and moment for lunch before heading out for football practice.

Lara and Cuevas did this day in and day out - work in the fields, then head to practice, repeat.

Their coach, Jerald Pierucci, said he uses their work ethic as pillars for his team, and to give other players an example to follow.

"It's inspiring as a coach and it makes you want to work harder for them," Pierucci said.