By Myra Bean

Official high school football practice got underway across the state Monday.

In the county, all three football teams have at least two practices under their belts after going through two-a-days Monday.

North Panola

North Panola was the forerunner with a midnight madness practice for two hours from midnight to 2 a.m. and then started again at 6 a.m. Monday. Close to 30 excited players were out to get the practice season started.

First year coach Derek King was a little concerned the players had used up a lot of energy before practice as they got there around 11 p.m.  About 12:20 a.m. some were a little winded but they had to keep on going.

Joining King on the coaching staff are Vaughn Daniels, Robert Lester Jr., Denver Wade, Chris Duffy and Timothy Krautkramer.

North Panola will host Coldwater in a scrimmage Friday, August 10.

State powerhouse South Panola hit the gridiron for 8 o’clock practice Monday morning with over 75 players in practice shirts and shorts. The practice looked like a continuation of the conditioning drills seen throughout the summer along with the seven-on-seven scrimmages.

For the first time in a long time if ever, South Panola conducted two-a-day practice as the team reported for work under the lights at 7 p.m.

One coach referred to some first-day practice jitters as players jumped offside and fumbled the ball, but they expect to get that all straightened out before West Point comes to town for the season opener August 18.

Sixth-year head coach Lance Pogue has confirmed no one has yet come forward with a TV game offer this season.

North Delta

Behind senior quarterback Tyler Pirtle, the North Delta offense was smooth sailing in a little scrimmage. Since pads are not allowed the first two or three days of practice, no real contact is possible, though some players did not mind making a hit without those pads.

About 25 players were out for Monday morning practice and the team returned to practice at 5 p.m. There will only be one week of two-a-days for the private schools this year as the MAIS cut out the second week of two-a-days.

First-year head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro is assisted by Harrison Nickle and Jeff Walls.

North Delta opens the season at home against Lee Academy of Clarksdale, Friday, August 17. On Saturday, North Delta will host Pillow Academy in a scrimmage starting at 10 a.m. and on Thursday, August 9, North Delta will host a jamboree against Kirk Academy.