Get Ready For Some High School Football

MATTHEWS, NC - As preseason NFL rolls on, the whistle blows on high school football.

While classes for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools won't start until August 27, "Friday Night Lights" go on this week. The buzz is over two powerhouse programs playing each other right from the start.

"We're one day and 52 minutes (away) right now."

Before the start of practice, Butler High football coach Brian Hales counts down for his players to the start of their season.

This year's seniors remember a stinging play-off loss in the fall. Now, their target, is another run at the state finals.

"I know how hard these guys work," said Hales, "and I know what their expectations are for the season, and they are the same as the coaching staff."

In the first few games, coaches see what improvements are needed to have a good year.

For Butler, the first game could set the tone towards a championship.

"Really as a group we have a determined winning mindset, never losing," said senior wide receiver Uriah LeMay.

He also says there's no pressure being ranked number one, and playing nationally ranked Mallard Creek High School right from the start.

But while Butler's game Friday night at Memorial Stadium will get a lot of attention, high school football really began Thursday, with the junior varsity teams.

This year, schools like Providence and Hopewell High Schools will play two games before classes start. And that's just fine for one football parent.

"I think a lot of people would like to be on vacation, but you know, we run our life around football," said Joy Chadwick, who's two sons play for the Titans.

With parents and kids preparing to attend football games, CMS says security measures - such as limiting entrance location and having off-duty police officers present - will provide maximum protection.

And it's not just teams like South Mecklenburg High and Charlotte Catholic that get a brush up with an early season start. Fans can also practice getting fired up.

"I kind of like it," said Margie Vermillion, who's son plays for the Cougars J-V team. "They're used to the football and then they can get into their studies easier."

The DNC will also impact high school football. CMS games the Friday before the Convention, on August 31, move to that Thursday. Then afterward, games on Friday, September 7, move to Saturday.

Source: http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/local/Lets-Get-Ready-For-HS-Football-166503486.html

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