Goodbye summer, hello football: High school practice under way

Monday is the first day teams are allowed to hold football practices in the state of Michigan per MHSAA rules, and Thursday will be the first day of full contact. At places like Pioneer and down the road at Saline High School, the sun couldn’t rise fast enough. Pioneer's first two-a-day practice at began at 9 a.m., while first-year Saline head coach Joe Palka had his players report at 7 a.m.

“It’s exciting to get started, to get back into football season and know that everyone’s here and on board and know that we’re moving forward,” Test said after his players broke for lunch.

While Pioneer and Saline got an early start, at places like Huron High School, practice is ending late, with the last scheduled activity wrapping up at 9 p.m.

Whether teams are practicing in the afternoon sun or early evening dusk, Monday’s unseasonably pleasant temperatures - hovering between the high 70s and low 80s - is certainly a welcome relief for players accustomed to braving sweltering heat on the first day of practice.

But the cool breeze can get very hot very quickly for those who didn’t prepare during the offseason.

“We want to be intense and work hard regardless of the weather,” said Test after some post practice conditioning drills had some players gasping for air. "We’re going to push it and we’re going to get better."

Check AnnArbor.com later tonight for a compilation of stories and a photo gallery from first day football practices all around Washtenaw County. If you have a photo you'd like to contribute, email petercunningham@annarbor.com.