Practice under way for local teams

MICHAEL CACCAMISE
Tucson Citizen

The long march to the high school football playoffs began yesterday with the first required step - the beginning of official practice.

Of southern Arizona's 24 Class 4A and 5A schools, 21 have started practice.

Canyon del Oro, Santa Rita and Douglas start Monday because they are idle the first week of games Aug. 26-27.

Of those who have started, the Sunnyside Blue Devils will be the most-watched team. Sunnyside won the 4A state title last year.

"We were in the same position two years ago after we won it the first time in 2001," Sunnyside head coach Richard Sanchez said. "But we're going to get it done. We know now that every season is a new season and everybody is hungry for a state title.

"We've got to stay focused and improve everyday. And hopefully we have another shot at going back to it this year."

And while it may be the official start to the season, yesterday's practice was by no means the very beginning.

Players had already been working in the weight room, as well as going to spring practices and summer workouts.

"It was the first day with the helmets," said Sanchez, who had his players out at 5:30 yesterday morning. "Since December, a week after we won the state championship, we got back in the weight room."

KEY DATES

Aug. 11-24: Tucson Citizen runs its "two-a-day" previews of Class 4A and 5A teams and the area's small schools, with schedules.

Aug. 26: Season opens. Cholla at Pueblo and Sabino at Sahuaro, 7 p.m.

Sept. 3: Citizen runs a special section with team-by-team rosters, outlooks and maps to schools.

Nov. 12: State playoffs begin.