Fall sports practices begin

The busy high school fall sports season officially began Friday with the first day of practice for most sports. Football, volleyball, boys and girls soccer, girls tennis and boys and girls cross country teams took advantage of perfect weather on the Aug. 1 start date. Golf teams began play earlier this week. The Ohio High School Athletic Association is marking its 120th year sponsoring interscholastic athletics. Many sports — including football — have already had practices this summer. Football teams were allowed to fulfill the required five acclimation days so that full pads could be worn Friday. Week 1 of the high school football season is scheduled for August 22. The area slate is highlighted by the Clyde-Bellevue matchup in Clyde. Edison, Huron, Vermilion, Monroeville and South Central also host games on the first Friday of the football season. A night later, St. Paul hosts Port Clinton while Danbury hosts Fremont St. Joseph in an 8-man game. Perkins, which finished as Division IV state runner-up last year, begins its season August 22 at Clear Fork. The Pirates' home opener is August 29 against Toledo Scott. Football playoff qualifiers will be announced October 26. The OHSAA is cutting back from 16 to 12 playoff teams per region this fall. Next week's area sports calendar is highlighted by a couple big golf tournaments. Ten area boys teams are signed up for the annual Ralph Hohenstein Classic at Green Hills south of Clyde. Wednesday, the annual Edison girls invitational will take place at Thunderbird Hills South in Huron. Nine area teams will participate. Golf — with its state tournaments scheduled for early October — will be the first fall sport to crown state champions this season. The girls tennis season begins next Friday. Perkins visits Shelby to start the local slate. The Clyde Invitational will take place next Saturday. The regular seasons for boys and girls soccer and volleyball begin August 15. Cross country starts August 18. The OHSAA Early Season Invitational is scheduled for August 16 at Fortress Obetz.