Ferguson tries to return to normal after chaos

The McCluer South-Berkeley Bulldogs are getting ready for this Saturday's season opener.

But instead of a locker room, the varsity football team is suiting up in a public park just oustide Ferguson.

For the last three days, players and their coaches have had no choice but to move practice there. Their high school, located less than 3 miles from where Michael Brown was shot, was closed in the wake of violent protests.

"I feel embarrassed," player Jerrod said. "I mean, I understand you protesting, but rioting and violence, they not doing this for Michael Brown; they just doing this for themselves."

The players admit they've had friends take part in the chaos. But they say they're focused on the upcoming game against their school rivals.

"Nobody on our football team is out there. Everybody on our team is here," teammate Tuvone said.

Jerrod agreed, "Practice is kind of a way to keep us out of trouble. Because after practice we don't have the energy to do the other bad things other people are doing."

That's the kind of leadership mentality coach Howard Brown has been working hard to teach on and off the field.

"We always try to let the guys know and ask them one question: think about it before you do something," Brown said. "This is the place where you can vent. This is the place where you can just let it go and be free."

But coach Brown isn't the only one keeping close tabs on the boys.

Many of the players, similar in age to Michael Brown, say since the shooting, their parents have also been more on edge.

"My mother, she doesn't let me go out where I would normally go, like I couldn't just ride around in the car just because," said teammate Eion.

When CBS News asked Eion and his teammates if they appreciate the extra supervision, they all agreed they do.