High School Football Teams Face Shorter Practice Time This Fall

High school football teams across Minnesota will face a squeezed time frame as they prepare for the start of the season. Most teams kick off their seasons Saturday, Aug. 22.

The earlier season opening date is due to a facilities conflict with the University of Minnesota stadium for the Prep Bowl. Title week will come the second week of November, instead of the third. The high school league elected to begin the prep season early rather than eliminate a round of playoffs. The regular schedule will be back to it's normal schedule when the high school championship series moves to the Vikings' new stadium in 2016.

Most teams will have two weeks of practice leading up to their season opener, compared to the usual three weeks plus one scrimmage.

The other change that affects the preparation time for teams this fall is safety rules implemented by the Minnesota State High School League. New rules require no contact in practice for the first four days. Teams can no longer hold two-a-day practices on consecutive days either.

A change in the summer practice schedule limits coaches to 11 days with the players in June and July. Limits are not in effect for 7-on-7 drills.

Following is the opening game for some local teams on Saturday, Aug. 22. Click on the school to get their full football schedule.

• Owatonna plays at defending state champion Mankato West
• Blooming Prairie hosts Rushford-Peterson
• NRHEG plays at Mayer Lutheran
• Medford entertains Lewiston-Altura
• Triton opens at Kasson-Mantorville