It’s a safe bet that most football coaches – most fall sports coaches, in fact – are relieved this season is going to start on time, rather than get pushed off for another month or so.

“At this time last year, we still had five weeks before the season started,” said Southern Regional High School head coach Chuck Donohue Sr. “It’s great to be back to normal, for the most part. I like getting back to the season early. Starting the season on time gives us a real purpose to practices.