More than two-dozen kids and coaches convened on Carrollwood Day's field Monday morning as the sun made a gradual ascension above Bearss Avenue. Within minutes, linemen working a set of red blocking dummies clearly could see their shadow.
Another six weeks of 7-on-7? Hardly.
Monday marked the first official day of football practice for the state's high schools. According to the Florida High School Athletic Association calendar, teams must remain in helmets and shorts until Saturday, when contact in full pads is permitted.
Carrollwood Day (pictured), Admiral Farragut and Zephyrhills were among the local teams seen engaging in morning practices Monday, but most programs - to accommodate assistants who have day jobs - slated their initial workouts for this afternoon, when a 30-percent chance is forecast.
Preseason games are set for the weekend of Aug. 23, with the regular season kicking off a week later. Stay here at tampabay.com/hometeam for Day 1 tweets and reports throughout the day and evening.