The “pop” of the pads. The “whir” of a tightly thrown spiral. The shouts of “let’s go” from coaches and players.
These are the sounds of late summer on football fields around Clark County.
Long before the chilly rains return, high school football teams are warming up for the fall.
Yes, football season is here. We at The Columbian are more than a little excited.
The past two weeks, Columbian sports reporters have made the rounds of football practices at local high schools.
We’ve watched the intensity and focus of teams that have league titles and state playoffs in their sights.
We’ve witnessed the rejuvenated energy of programs that have been down, but are building a fresh foundation under new coaches.
We’ve visited the smaller schools in the north and east of our coverage area. The humble setting of a late-August practice belies the commotion of a fall Friday night, when it seems most of the town is there.
We’ve interviewed the star quarterbacks. We’ve also gotten to know the linemen who play with the same passion and effort, but outside of the spotlight.
And as a result, we’ve put all of this into a special section we hope will get you as ready for the high school football season as we are.
Inside today’s newspaper, you’ll find a six-page Prep Football 2015 special section (Section H). It includes a capsule on each team in the four leagues we cover. You’ll learn each team’s key players, strengths and weaknesses. You’ll even see where to find each team on any given Friday this fall.
You’ll also find stories on each league’s preseason favorite, so you’ll know who all the others will be trying to knock off.
And you’ll read about how teams take a different approach for scheduling. Some make it tough to test their mettle against top opponents. Others use early-season games to build confidence as the players find their footing.
All these topics are threads in a football season that will blanket our attention for the next three months.
Chilly nights are coming. Don’t forget your blanket, coat and thermos when you head out to the local stadium.
But don’t worry. No matter the time or weather, it’s always sunny when football is being played.
Micah Rice is The Columbian’s Sports Editor. Reach him at 360-735-4548, micah.rice@columbian.com or on Twitter @col_mrice .
