The beginning of my favorite time of year is Monday.

That’s right, football season.

Technically, it doesn’t officially begin until Aug. 29 when the first football games are played.

However, the teams begin practicing for the upcoming season. They will begin fall practice drills.

This year, we have a number of interesting story lines affecting our five local teams.

Hartselle will be looking to reload after losing a very successful senior class last year. The seniors were a part of the school’s first state championship.

One of the important parts of the team was team MVP Deacon Aldridge. He was the heart and soul of the team for the last two seasons. He will be difficult to replace.

Can Hartselle find a way to get back to the state championship after the magical run of 2011?

At Falkville, the Blue Devils are looking to build on last year’s success under new coach Joel Schrenk. The team returns several key players from last year and they should have a chance to make the playoffs again in Class 1A.

At Danville, the Hawks just narrowly missed the playoffs last year. You could call them the cardiac kids. Nearly every game they played came down to the final possession. It seemed like they lost a few more than they should have last year.

At Priceville, the Bulldogs are continuing to improve under coach Dirk Strunk. They play in one of the toughest regions in Class 4A, but the Bulldogs never give up. Can Priceville find a way to break through and make the playoffs?

At Brewer, the Patriots are still improving under second year coach Dan Styles. The Patriots were much improved last year, but Brewer is in an extremely competitive region. Can they continue to get better.

Right now, this is the best time of the year for everyone. Everyone is undefeated and hope springs eternal for the new season.

How will our teams do? Stay tuned and find out.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.