After a hot, sunny summer, the Maine high school fall sports season began under cloudy, wet skies Monday. Teams throughout southern Maine took to the fields and gyms, some as early as 6:45 a.m., to prepare for the upcoming season. “It couldn’t have been any better,” said Traip Academy boys’ soccer coach Paul Marquis, of the weather for his early-morning practice. “It was comfortable, 55 degrees, a great day to get out and condition.” Golf kicks off the season on Aug. 27, followed by field hockey on Sept. 1. Football, cross country, volleyball and soccer begin their games Sept. 3. The championship season begins in mid-October with golf and concludes with a football tripleheader on Nov. 20.

– Mike Lowe, Staff Writer

Additional Photos

Mike Bailey, Portland High's longtime football coach, watches his players run a play during a practice Monday at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Mike Bailey, Portland High's longtime football coach, watches his players run a play during a practice Monday at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
Leslie Mourmouras, Biddeford's new field hockey coach, gives instructions to Josie Rhoy.
Leslie Mourmouras, Biddeford's new field hockey coach, gives instructions to Josie Rhoy. Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer
Candidates for the Yarmouth boys' soccer team run sprints during their opening day of practice.
Candidates for the Yarmouth boys' soccer team run sprints during their opening day of practice. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
Biddeford field hockey players go for a run with their new coach, Leslie Mourmouras, leading the way. Mourmouras also coaches track and field and previously was Biddeford’s cross country coach.
Biddeford field hockey players go for a run with their new coach, Leslie Mourmouras, leading the way. Mourmouras also coaches track and field and previously was Biddeford’s cross country coach. Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer
Biddeford field hockey players execute a drill as they begin preparations for their season opener Sept. 2 at Kennebunk.
Biddeford field hockey players execute a drill as they begin preparations for their season opener Sept. 2 at Kennebunk. Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer
Moira Trynor, a senior goalkeeper, deflects a shot over the crossbar during the Deering girls' soccer team's first practice of the season.
Moira Trynor, a senior goalkeeper, deflects a shot over the crossbar during the Deering girls' soccer team's first practice of the season. John Ewing/Staff Photographer
Portland running back Imadhi Zagon runs a play during his team's practice at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Zagon was an All-State selection last year, when he rushed for 1,375 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will face Deering in their season opener Sept. 3 at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Portland running back Imadhi Zagon runs a play during his team's practice at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Zagon was an All-State selection last year, when he rushed for 1,375 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will face Deering in their season opener Sept. 3 at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer
Luke Pierce shields the ball from one of his Yarmouth boys' soccer teammates. Pierce, a senior, is a three-sport athlete and was the Clippers' leading scorer last fall.
Luke Pierce shields the ball from one of his Yarmouth boys' soccer teammates. Pierce, a senior, is a three-sport athlete and was the Clippers' leading scorer last fall. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

 

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