High school sports have officially returned.
With Monday’s first day of practice per the policy of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, the Houston High School football, softball and volleyball teams began preparation for the 2014 season.
There were many new faces for the HHS football team, which practiced from 6-9 p.m. Joining third-year head coach Billy O’Neil are new assistants Vince McCrosky, Eric Sloan and Ken Cooperman. There were also new players in the skill positions for the Tigers, who graduated the top six rushers and every player who scored an offensive touchdown last season.
O’Neil, who along with his new staff has implemented some formation changes to the double wing and a no-huddle approach, said 34 players are currently on the team.
The new MSHSAA acclimation period rules permit helmets only the first two days of football practice. Shoulder pads may be added during the next three days and players may wear full pads on day six.
After that, the time limit is lifted and two-a-day practices are allowed as long as they do not happen on consecutive days.
Houston’s first day of full pads will come Saturday as the team scrimmages for the public at the annual pig roast. Following the 6 p.m. meal, the Tigers will play from 7-8:30 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
Houston will compete Aug. 15 at a jamboree in Ava before opening the season Aug. 22 at home against Hollister.
The HHS softball team had a program-best 21 players come to practice under coach Brent Hall. Fourteen of those players are freshman or playing for the first time.
The Lady Tigers open the season Aug. 28 at Stoutland before hosting a tournament two days later.
Fourteen players are playing volleyball for coach Skye Wade. The Lady Tigers open the season Aug. 26 at Licking. The first home match is Sept. 2 against Summersville.