USA hits the practice field (Photo: USA Football)

Texas is an energy-producing state.

On Saturday morning, the U.S. Under-19 National Team turned Burger Stadium in Austin into a sprouting oil derrick.

"Great energy - great energy," Team USA head coach Steve Specht of Cincinnati St. Xavier High School said about his team's first practice in preparing for the 2012 IFAF Under-19 World Championship. "Obviously, there's a lot more to work on, but I like this group of kids.

"They've got a great work ethic; they're jumping place to place."

Spiraling footballs, high-fives and coaches' whistles filled the air as Team USA hit the field in helmets and shoulder pads. The U.S. will not practice in full pads leading up to its first game against American Samoa on June 30 at 8 p.m. CT.

Read the full story here.