HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICES GET STARTED MONDAY

Monday marks the first day of practices for fall prep sports in the state of Missouri.

Finally, football season has arrived.

As is the same every year, coaches are optimistic and confident, fans are anxious and mothers are nervous.

And there's one more thing that's the same every year at the first day of football practice: It's hot.

To beat the heat, teams will get to the practice field early in the morning and some will finish their two-a-days in the evening hours.

Coaches recommended that players drink plenty of fluids before and after practices to avoid dehydration.

The state requires that all players must have physicals and proof of insurance to participate.

The first day of full contact will be Thursday.

Cape Central

There's a lot less uncertainty and a lot more chemistry this year for the Tiger football team. There's only one new coach instead of an entire new coaching staff.

A senior class of 19 members has established a determined atmosphere this summer in workouts and camps.

"They've done a good job showing commitment in the weight room," said head coach Lawrence Brookins. "We had 24, which was a good number, go to the full contact camp at Mizzou. That showed commitment right there with the camp fees alone."

Greg Klund was added to the coaching staff this year. The former Southeast Missouri State University starter will coach the defensive backs and receivers.

Unlike every other team in the area, the Tigers will not hold two practices each day. The team will get underway at 8 a.m. and run through 1:30-1:45 depending on the heat.

"We did this last year and the consensus among players and family members is that they liked the format, especially the kids who didn't drive. Their parents didn't have to do so much driving."

Jackson

Whether or not this year's Indian football team is the best ever remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: It will be the biggest in number.

Jackson coach Carl Gross is expecting 85-90 sophomores through seniors to show up Monday at 9 a.m. when the first of two, 2-hour practices start. The evening session will begin at 5.

Because of the overwhelming numbers coming out this season, Jackson's sophomores -- all 40 of them -- will not have a locker on the first day. Efforts are being made to get a new locker room ready as soon as possible. It could be ready as soon as Tuesday.

"The maintenance guys have really been working hard, but they're still understaffed because the bond issue didn't pass," said Gross. "In 15 years, we've gone from a 3A school to 5A and people need to realize there are more buildings, more sports and more kids now. We really need the issue to pass this time."

But Gross isn't about to complain about the interest in his football team.

"It's a pleasant dilemma," said Gross. "Our numbers are really, really up and everybody's really excited. We've had to buy a lot of equipment and the district is being really good about it."

Gross said there are about 25 in this year's senior class and 35 in the junior class. In addition, there are 60 eighth graders going out for football this year.

Scott City

First-year head coach Stephen O'Brien can't wait to see how new faces fill in some key spots on a team which lost its three best athletes and top lineman.

O'Brien believes he has some players to fill in the backfield, but said he won't be totally sure until he sees them in full contact practices. Some players may also be moved from one position to another to help the team.

Scott City will start at 8 each morning and practice for about two hours then meet again for another practice at 6 p.m.

"A lot depends on how good of shape these kids are when they get here," O'Brien said. "Last year, we didn't play well early and I tried to emphasize to be in good shape when they get here. I was pretty satisfied with the turnout this summer in our camps. Most have been coming in for conditioning. Not all have been doing it, but the ones who really want to play have been working on it."

O'Brien said he's expecting about 55 to show up Monday. He had about 30 at team camp this summer.

O'Brien will conduct practice Monday at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Depending on the weather, the Rams could have practice start earlier than 8 throughout the week.

Chaffee

The Red Devils had one of their better years in recent memory last year when they went 3-7 but could've easily been 5-5.

Chaffee hopes to continue its progression this year despite losing one of the best athletes in the area, running back Tommy Stidham, to graduation.

Coach Allan Horrell said he will get several players back at the skills positions this year, but will basically have a new offensive line.

Horrell is expecting 40-45 freshmen through seniors to attend the first practice.

Perryville

First-year head coach Lance Bell wants to get the worm.

Perryville will get started earlier than any team in the area Monday, starting practice at 6:30 a.m. The second practice will start at 6 p.m. and each practice will run 2 1/2 hours.

Bell said the leadership this summer took a "180 degree turn" from last year when the Pirates finished a disappointing 4-6.

"So far, we've got great leadership," said Bell. "We've only got 10 seniors but they were in the weight room 93 percent of the time the weight room was open. The whole team has really hit the weights harder this year."

Bell said he expects no more than 50 to show up on Monday after he had 44 attend camps this summer.

St. Vincent

St. Vincent could field its best team ever after incredible seasons the past two years, but the team will have to adjust to a new coach, Keith Winkler, who isn't planning on changing a whole lot.

And why would he?

The Indians took second in state in 1998, lost in the 1A semifinals last year and returns starters in several key positions including quarterback, running back and receiver. St. Vincent will have 21 seniors on its roster.

St. Vincent will have just two two-a-day practices -- on Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week, the Indians will have one practice in the evening.

Like last year, St. Vincent has incredible numbers coming out to play. Of the 92 boys enrolled in the school, 71 of them are expected to play football. There will be 21 seniors on this year's club, 16 juniors, 16 sophomores and 18 freshmen.

Fredericktown

The Blackcats, hoping to build upon their first winning season in ages, will get started at 8 a.m. Monday and practice for about two hours then return at 5:30 for another practice.

After Monday, Fredericktown coach Kent Gibbs will play it by ear.

"We'll see where we're at," said Gibbs. "We won't have two-a-days just to have two-a-days."

Gibbs thinks the team got a lot accomplished during the summer but the season will hinge on the offensive line, which returns just one starter from a year ago.

Gibbs is expecting about 33 players sophomore through seniors and an additional 20 freshmen.

Charleston

Charleston lost seven starters from last year's 3-6 team, and is expecting around 40 players to show up for practice on Monday.

"That's normal for us," said Charleston coach Brent Anderson. "We usually carry about 40. We fluctuate from year to year between 36 and 42."

Charleston's practice schedule will run mornings back-to-back. The first practice will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., then they will take an hour break before the second session, which starts between 11 to 11:30 a.m.