IMA SPORTS

The clock started ticking for high school football teams across Ohio on Friday, the first official day of practice for the 2025 season.

Maumee opened its preseason camp with its first two-a-day at the high school. Players wore full pads for the first session and helmets with practice jerseys in the second.

“I was thinking last night about how I felt the night before Aug. 1 when I was a player,” Maumee coach Evan Karchner said. “Whether you’re a good player, an OK player or somewhere in between, this is when it starts.”

Karchner said today’s high school players do more in June and July than when he was playing. This offseason included the team’s second trip to Trine University in Angola, Indiana, for a three-day acclimation camp.

Friday’s practice was typical for an opener, Karchner said, with some things he was pleased with and others that raised concern. The Panthers have a week to work through adjustments before their first scrimmage at Bowling Green.

Maumee planned to return for practice Saturday afternoon before taking Sunday off. The Panthers will host Clay in a scrimmage Aug. 15, then open the season against Springfield on Aug. 22 at Kazmaier Stadium.

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com