Chris Vandiver, the linebacker coach, leads a drill during football practice at West Salem High School on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.
There’s always something new on the first day of high school football practices each fall.
Monday morning at West Salem High there was one small difference that broke up the team’s traditional monochromatic black look: Flat grey helmets, a welcome change from its previous flat black over black uniforms.
“We were flat black before Sprague,” said West Salem coach Shawn Stanley, in his 12th year at the school. “We had a chance to do it. I thought we’d change it up a little bit. The one thing I was considering a little bit was the heat. I would imagine that black color’s going to absorb a lot more heat.
“As I’m taking my heat illness awareness test, I’m thinking hmm, what can we do to cool off our guys. It’s something different. The kids voted on it. I could really, to be honest with you, care less. I really don’t want to be the team that looks good and plays bad.”
While the players were sweating while working in drill after drill Monday, a construction crew was working in the north end zone to install a new scoreboard.
Football teams have been preparing for the season for months in weight rooms, in 7-on-7 passing leagues and summer conditioning programs.
But Monday was the first day for helmets.
“We’re used to it because we come out here almost every day to do weights or whatnot,” West Salem senior quarterback Jared Oliver said. “It’s different with the helmets, but it’s nice getting close to our first game.
bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6701 or Twitter.com/bpoehler
Coming Aug. 31
A special preview section of the high school football season featuring the secret weapons from teams throughout the Mid-Valley.
Head Coach Shawn Stanley gives drill instructions during football practice at West Salem High School on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.