Advertisement

Sure, it's only an intrasquad scrimmage and the players will be knocking heads against each other, rather than matching up with another team.

But the 7 p.m. practice, which is expected to last about an hour and a half under controlled circumstances with the coaching staff directing every move, still holds some excitement.

And not just for the players, who are always anxious to see how they stack up against other teams, but the fans as well after last season's 6-3 finish. It earned the Elks their first-ever playoff berth.

Some of the thrill from that accomplishment is still lingering over the football field, and in the school hallways.

Friday night promises to bring a little bit of that magic back to the Elks' stadium.

A good crowd is expected to be on hand when head coach Ed Schindler unveils the 2007 version of the Elks who'll be vying for a second consecutive playoff berth.

Elk Rapids Schools alumni/marketing director Amy Schindler announced that there will be a tailgate cookout to add to the football game atmosphere.

Schindler has high hopes for another successful season for the Elks.

He had 185 players turn out for the Elks Veer Offense Camp, and 80 of those were from Elk Rapids. A few will be playing Pop Warner football this fall.

But there's no doubt Schindler is excited about the intra-squad scrimmage, and the opportunity to watch his players under game conditions.

The Elks have a scrimmage at Bellaire on Aug. 16, where Schindler will learn even more about this year's team.

Elk Rapids opens the regular season at Mancelona on Aug. 24.