One more day: High school football season kicks off Thursday

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 31, 2013 1:47 PM

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Charles B. Aycock and Eastern Wayne will meet at 8 a.m. Rosewood players will gather at 8:45, while Southern Wayne's season commences at 9 a.m. in Dudley.

Weather permitting, Spring Creek will start at 5 p.m. Three teams -- Goldsboro, North Duplin and James Kenan -- will kick off their respective practices an hour later.

Players are permitted to wear just helmets, shorts and cleats during the first two days of practice. Shoulder pads can be added on the third day and full gear is allowed on the sixth day along with body-to-body contact.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association has devised three options that coaches may use during the preseason. Two selections involve single-day practices and a third permits two-a-day sessions, however teams must follow that practice with a lighter day of workouts.

The options:

* A -- One three-hour practice with flex time.

* B -- One three-hour practice followed by a mandatory three-hour cool down period, followed by a three-hour walk-through. Protective equipment is not allowed during walk-throughs.

* C -- One two- or three-hour practice followed by a mandatory three-hour cool down period, followed by a two- or three-hour practice. Teams may not exceed five hours in a 24-hour period.

Teams must also be aware of the weather.

Extreme heat and humidity create a dangerous situation for athletes. Coaches are asked to minimize clothing and equipment based on the temperatures, and to provide unlimited drinking opportunities during hotter practices.

Teams are allowed to scrimmage as early as Aug. 10.

The season officially opens Aug. 23.