Like other high school football teams throughout Michigan, the Brandon Blackhawks are preparing to take the field for the first day of practice Monday, Aug. 7.
However, the Blackhawks also have a couple other activities in the next two weeks to give local fans a closer look at the 2006 team.
The first of these scheduled events is the annual Black and Blue scrimmage, which will take place at the varsity football field about 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at the Brandon varsity complex, 209 Varsity Drive, Ortonville.
Five days later, the Blackhawks will host their annual Meet the Team/Ice Cream Social at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16 at the Brandon High School cafeteria, 1025 S. Ortonville Road, Ortonville.
The Blackhawks just finished their annual passing leagues that they take part in each summer, and Coach Ron Gill said the team gave a good effort in those leagues.
‘We were real pleased with the kids throughout the summer,? he said. ‘The vast majority of them are in excellent condition going into two-a-days. We’re all looking forward to it.?
During the practices leading up to the Blackhawks? first scheduled game of the season Friday, Aug. 25 against Linden, Gill said the team will work on execution and fine-tuning their offense and defense.
Brandon’s list of key returning players is headed up by two third-year seniors, Josh Papineau and Josh Polasek, whom Gill said the coaches ‘have high expectations for? this season.
Other key returning starters are seniors David Dew, Alex Ruhle, Ian Williams and Josh Ellett. Gill said all these seniors have worked ‘very hard? to prepare for this season.
‘They’ve put a lot into this season,? he said. ‘The seniors want to take it to the next step and really work hard. I’m excited for them going into this season.?