The sounds of coaches shouting instructions, whistles blowing and pads popping will be heard all over Pennsylvania in the next few weeks because it’s that time again: the start of high school football practices.
Summer workouts are over, and official practices are ready to start. Here are some factoids and important dates for the 2022 season:
Heat acclimatization practices: Beginning Monday, teams must go through heat acclimatization practices for five consecutive days. Players can only wear helmets and shoulder pads, not full gear. Heat practices must be a minimum of three hours and a maximum of five hours on only three of the days.
Full practices: Teams can start practicing in full pads Aug. 15.
First scrimmage: Teams can scrimmage another team starting Aug. 20.
First game: Aug. 26 is the first day games can be played. This is regularly called Week 0. Teams have the choice of playing a game this weekend or having a second scrimmage.
Going to “The Sure”: The WPIAL playoffs will begin Nov. 4, and the league will stage the Class 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A championships at Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) on Nov. 25 or 26. The Class 5A and 6A championships will be not be at Acrisure. They will be played either Nov. 18 or 19 at a site to be determined.
Defending champs: The WPIAL champions from last year are Mt. Lebanon (Class 6A), Penn-Trafford (5A), Aliquippa (4A), Central Valley (3A), Serra Catholic (2A) and Bishop Canevin (1A). Mt. Lebanon, Penn-Trafford, Aliquippa and Central Valley all won PIAA titles also.
Streaks: Central Valley enters the season on a 27-game winning streak, the longest current streak in the league and tied for ninth longest in WPIAL history. On the other hand, Ellwood City takes a 25-game losing streak into the season.
First Published: August 7, 2022, 9:30 a.m.