For high school football fans, fall has officially arrived.
High school sports across the state opened practice today, many with double sessions, as they prepare for the upcoming fall sports season.

This fall, we get an early treat, as rivals Cony and Gardiner play their traditional football game in the preseason, at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 at Hoch Field.

The game, which has been played for 115 years, has been a postseason game for most of its existence. This will be a test to the rivalry, for sure, let's hope it doesn't further diminish something that was already losing its luster.

There are other interesting story lines to watch early in preseason football camp.

• Who will replace Jack Hersom at Lawrence?
The Fitzpatrick Trophy winning quarterback graduated after leading the Bulldogs to two straight Class A state title games.

• Who will replace Kyle Stilphen at Gardiner?
A Fitzy finalist, Stilphen was one of the most complete football players in the state. A four-year starter at quarterback, Stilphen also was a talented linebacker and place-kicker for the defending Class B state champions.

• Is Winthrop the favorite in the Campbell Conference?
The Ramblers went 9-2 last fall and returns many of its skill position players from a team that nearly made a miraculous comeback in the Campbell Conference title game.

Those questions are in the process of being answered. The process started today and will continue through Nov. 22, when all three state championship games are scheduled to be played at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.

Here at the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel we have already begun our coverage. In Tuesday's paper we will have reports from staff writers Travis Lazarczyk and Bill Stewart on the opening of football season. On Friday, Aug. 29, our high school sports preview $ covering football as well as soccer, field hockey, golf and cross country $ will be published. And of course, we'll have plenty of news updates and blogs here at www.onlinesentinel.com and www.kjonline.com.

The fall season has just started and things are already heating up.