Teams prepare for prep season

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
Alabama high school football teams hit the practice field for the first time Monday as teams worked out in helmets and shorts.
Teams are not allowed to work out in full pads until players have gone through two days of work in helmets and shorts. Additionally, a new mandate from the National Federation of High Schools limits teams to just two practices per day with only one allowed to be in full pads.
All state teams will work for three weeks before most will participate in fall scrimmages or jamborees a week before the opening of the regular season.
The 2009 season opens up Thursday, Aug. 27 for local teams when Falkville travels to Priceville in a matchup of county rivals.
Hartselle takes the field for the first time a day later at Chelsea. Other Friday night matchups include Hatton at Danville and Brewer at Madison Academy.
Hartselle is coming off a 12-1 season where the Tigers reached the third round of the playoffs before losing to Russellville, but head coach Bob Godsey has plenty of spots to fill after losing a large senior class to graduation.