That's routine

St. Charles East safety Matt Payne shies away from predicting the Saints' upcoming Week 1 game against Geneva on Friday, but he doesn't mind handicapping East's plight Wednesday morning.

"We're all going to have some problems getting up," Payne said, "but it'll be nice just getting back into that groove after a full summer."

Schools return to session Wednesday, although most student-athletes have already resumed their fall practice schedules. East coach Mike Fields and other colleagues could have used Monday and Tuesday to cram in some final two-a-days, but instead chose to begin practice in the afternoon as though it were a regular school day.

"You want to get your guys in that routine," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "They might be a little tired coming onto the field [Wednesday], but they'll be ready for the game."