VIrginia High School League Considering Major Changes To Fall High School Football Practice

The Virginia High School League is expected to consider sweeping changes to the way high school football programs can conduct pre-season camps.

As early as September, the VHSL could vote on a propsal that would using the NCAA model of banning two-a-day practices on consecutive days. The formal proposal also recommends fewer days will full equipment or contact at the start of pre-season practice, plus limits the amount of time that can be spent on the practice field.

The guidelines have been worked on over the past year with the intent of maximizing safety and minimizing risk to injury from the heat. The new rules really hit home after Stafford high lineman Joey Roberson died of hyperthermia, a heat-related illness, three days after collapsing on the football field near the end of a second workout session on the school's second day of practice.

Hoover (AL) Blanks UMS-Wright In Champions Challenge

Hoover, which is ranked #1 in several national publications, didn't disappoint in its season opener. The Bucaneers shutout UMS-Wright in Alabama's first ever Champions Challenge at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.

The Champions Challenge featured the 2005 Alabama high school football champs squaring off in games that don't count toward regular season records. Hoover won last year's 6A title, while UMS-Wright is the defending 5A champ.

Hoover was led by senior quarterback Ross Wilson, who was 16-of-23 for 261 yards and four touchdowns.

In the first game, Clay County (2005 2A champ) defeated Addison (2005 1A champ) 41-6 in the opener. The 3A and 4A champs decided not to take part in the Champions Challenge.

To read a wrap-up of Hoover's win, click on our headline "Hoover Blanks UMS-Wright In Champions Challenge".

Independence (Charlotte, NC) Runs Win Streak To 94

Independence got back down to business in Week 2 of the high school football season. After a disappointing 17-6 win in its season opener, the Patriots rode a strong defensive effort to shutout West Mecklenberg 56-0 for the school's 94th straight win.
Independence's defense only allow 56 total yards of offense.

To read a wrap-up from the Charlotte Observer, click on our headline "Independence Runs Win Streak To 94".

Byrnes (Duncan, SC) Tops Glades Central (Belle Galde, FL) In Battle Of National Powers

Byrnes 27th straight win will stand out as one of the best in Rebel football history. Before a national television audience on ESPN, Byrnes beat Glade Central High School 27-15.

Byrnes used a strong defense to shutdown Glades Central, a team that is loaded with Division I-A talent. The Rebels held Raiders to just 168 yards in total offense. And while, the Rebel D was strong, quarterback Willy Korn and his receiver Randall Hawkins were putting on an aerial show.

Korn threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Hawkins caught nine balls for 149 yards and two of the touchdown tosses.

To read a compete game wrap, click on our headline "Byrnes Tops Glades Central In Battle Of National Powers".

Mt. Carmel Tops Joliet Catholic In Battle Of Chicago Powers

When it comes to football in Illinois, Joliet Catholic and Mt. Carmel are the cream of the crop. Between them they own 22 state championships; 12 for Joliet Catholic, 10 for Mt. Carmel.

Saturday the two powerhouses kicked off the 2006 season at Solidier Field in the 2nd Annual Chicago High School Football Kickoff Classic. One game into the season, it's Mt. Carmel that has the bragging rights after a 13-6 win.

Mt. Carmel quarterback Carter Kopatch was the star of the comeback win throwing two fourth quarter touchdown passes. Kopatch was 13-of-21 for 252 yards.

Also Enjoy some of the pictures I took at Soldier Field.

Kentucky Adds Two Classes To High School Football Championships

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has announced that its expanding the state's high school football championships from four classes to six starting with the 2007 season. The change means that 192 schools will qualify for the post-season, up from 128 this year.

To read about the change and how schools will be realigned, please click on our headline "Kentucky Adds Two Classes To High School Football Championships".

Independence Goes for 94 Straight

Independence puts it 93-game win streak on the line tonight at home against West Mecklenberg. While the Patriots struggled in last week's opener, West Mecklenberg was beaten by 25-points.

Independence's streak is head-and-shoulder above the rest of the nation. The second longest win streak currently is Modesto's(CA) 61-game streak. South Panola (MS) has the third longest active streak at 45 straight.

Glades Central (Belle Glade, FL) Opens Season With Major Test Against Byrnes (Duncan, SC)

How big is Saturday's match-up between national powers Glades Central and Byrnes? It will be broadcast live on ESPN at noon (EST). Byrnes opened the season last week with an easy win, while this is Glades Central's season opener.

Glades Central is loaded with Division I-A talent. The Raiders return 19 starters from last year's 12-1 team. Byrnes only returns two starters on offense and eight overall from last year's team that won the school's fourth straight state title.

The good news for Byrnes fans is one of the offensive starters is quarterback Willy Korn, who's given his verbal commitment to Clemson. Korn threw for 4,164 yards last year with 53 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Glades Central also returns it quarterback, senior Bryan Mann, who threw for over 2,200 yards last year with 26 TDs and only two picks.

Byrnes with a game under its belt may be a little more prepared for this one, but Glades does have experience on its side. Another factor will be how Central players deal with some pre-season tragedy that resulted in the death of a former player. To read that story, please click on our headline "Glades Central Opens Season With Major Test Against Byrnes.