Football - Centralmaine.com

Maine teams begin practice after year without tackle football

‘It was like Christmas morning,’ one coach says, as practices begin at high schools across the state.

While their own field awaits completion, Tigers will play four Saturday games in Oakland.

The annual summer football game was back Saturday, but as a 7-on-7 tournament, Travis Lazarczyk writes.

Workouts, 7-on-7 drills and competitions help players get ready for fall before full sessions start in August.

After being forced to play 7-on-7 last season, coaches eye the return of tackle football in the fall.

Fans should have plenty of reasons to get excited about this fall on the gridiron, Travis Lazarczyk writes.

Among the games to circle is Class A Thornton Academy at reigning Class B champ Marshwood in Week 2.

Tackle football and wrestling had been deemed “high risk” by community guidelines, and couldn’t have competitions last season.

Maine is one of just four states that did not allow tackle football during the 2020-21 school year, and has yet to approve it for this fall.

The senior all-star game, which was tentatively set for July 10, is called off once again because of concerns related to the pandemic.