High school football practice starts today

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Flipping the calendar over to August means one thing for dozens of teen-age boys and their coaches.

High school football has arrived. The 2004 season begins this morning at high schools across Southern Arizona, as today is the first day teams that open the season in late August are allowed to practice.

"I'm jumping in my skin right now," first-year Pueblo coach Scott McKee, 25, said Sunday afternoon. "I've just got to get to tomorrow."

McKee, a former UA linebacker, is one of three new coaches in Southern Arizona. The others are Michael Vezzosi at Sierra Vista Buena and Willie Dudley at Marana.

Like last season, the first games in Southern Arizona will be played on a Thursday. On Aug. 26, Cholla will play at Pueblo and Sabino will travel to Sahuaro. A full slate of games is set for Friday, Aug. 27.

The regular season runs through Nov. 5. The state playoffs begin Nov. 12.

All Class 4A and 5A teams are permitted to start workouts today except for the two clubs that begin play Sept. 3, Canyon del Oro and Santa Rita. The Dorados and Eagles will hit the practice field for the first time next Monday. In addition to the excitement at Pueblo, there will also be high energy on another South Side practice field. Sunnyside will open defense of its 2004 4A state championship this morning.

"It's exciting," coach Richard Sanchez said. "Kids get to put helmets on again and it seems like football is back."

Indeed.