High school football is here

Football fans get excited. Saturday marked the official start of high school football practice around the state. We say official because most of the schools in the Cape Fear region practice in one form or another throughout the summer.

New Hanover High had 111 football players show up for the first real day of practice. That’s a little less than expected, but head coach Kevin Motsinger is encouraged with the players’ intensity and their ability to learn the Wildcat system.

“We’ve been going at it all summer long. We’re just waiting for the state to tell us when we can hit. The first day of practice means it’s finally here. We’ve been working hard in the weight room. Anytime we’re out here with the kids and the good Lord has blessed us with beautiful weather it’s a good day,” said Motsinger.

Players were allowed to wear helmets Saturday, but not pads. Full contact drills cannot start until the seventh day of practice.

The regular season begins Friday, August 21st.