It's getting near football season

NFL training camps will be opening shortly. High schools are already starting their training camps, as their season starts before the pros do.

Troy High, as you know, has moved back to Class A after dominating Class AA the last two seasons. However, coach Bob "The Builder" Burns and his club will start the season on the road for a change. The home opener isn't until week 3, September 14, vs. LaSalle in the annual Collar City Cup game. This will mark the first time new LaSalle coach John Audino will be on the sidelines at Ed Picken Memorial Field, and, Cadet supporters hope, he'll provide the answer to their problems vs. the Flying Horses the last two seasons, in which LaSalle gave up nearly 100 points in two games vs. Troy. Ouch! There are only three home games on the schedule, and Troy will play four of their first five games on the road. The schedule:

August 31: @ Schalmont (1st meeting between the two schools).
Sept. 7: @ Amsterdam. The Rams are the only team to beat Troy in Bob Burns' three seasons as head coach, and Troy will be looking for revenge.
Sept. 14: Home opener vs. LaSalle.
Sept. 21: @ Green Tech.
Sept. 28: @ Ballston Spa. The Scotties will be looking for some payback of their own after a beatdown last year at Picken Field.
Oct. 5: Homecoming vs. Columbia.
Oct. 12: Senior Night vs. Averill Park.

Curiously, the Horses won't play Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake or Queensbury, unless either set of Spartans await come playoff time in late October. Also, with LaSalle & Troy both now in A, along with Lansingburgh, maybe the Collar City Cup should be a three-way affair?

Ye scribe is not making any bold projections just yet. Meanwhile, "High School Fridays" will return with women's soccer action in Troy's home opener on August 24 vs. Scotia-Glenville.