The defending Class B state champion Gardiner Tigers are back to work, and new head coach Jim Palmer likes what he sees so far, anyway.

"The first couple of days, they set the tone for the season," said Palmer, who takes over for Matt Brown. "We talk about discipline on and off the field. It's a good adjustment period."

Teams practiced without pads Monday and Tuesday, but that all changes Wednesday when the hitting commences.

"Now we get a little bit of contact, and we'll find out who wants to play football," Palmer said. "We can put 11 guys down to start tonight, but when we start hitting, it could be different. The first two days are no contact so you can't see all you want, but you get an idea of who is ready to go."

Palmer, who will handle the defensive coordinator responsibilities after coaching the offense last year, added that there is plenty of "inner competition" for several positions.

Among them:

• Quarterback: Mike Denham, Spencer Allen, Kory Prosser and Forrest Chadwick are all in the mix. Denham served as Kyle Stilphen's backup last year.

• Wide receiver: Jake Wright, Tom Cook, Ben Chesley are listed as wideouts, and Denham could also see time as receiver as well.

Palmer said his job this week is to find the right balance of getting the younger players up to speed without boring the upper classmen.

"We'll have to try to keep the interest up on both sides and find a middle ground," Palmer said.