It was a day that began watching the sun rise over the field at Grace Academy and ended well after it had disappeared behind the mountains that surround the beautiful Sequatchie Valley.
Monday’s are the start of the work week for most folks, but this one was also what is typically the longest — yet most enjoyable — work day of the year for me. Once again, on the first day high school football teams across Tennessee are allowed to begin practicing in full pads, I tried to visit as many as possible across the Chattanooga area.
In total, the 26th annual Prep Tour covered 21 area schools and amassed 281 miles through two time zones — all in just over 15 hours.
All times Eastern.
6:12 a.m., Grace Academy: The one common theme for the day for every team revolves around finding a way to combat the heat and humidity. The Golden Eagles beat the heat — and every other area team — by taking the field before sunrise.