The helmets are on, the jerseys are sweaty and the cleats are getting dirty. That can only mean one thing: Fall football is finally back.

Last year, there were no Friday night lights, "Hail Mary" passes or touchdown celebrations thanks to COVID-19. To say these players and coaches are excited to be back on the gridiron is an understatement.

"Just to be able to come out here and not be terrified. Everybody was scared and paranoid, even I was. It is a great feeling," Liverpool head coach Dave Mancuso said.

What You Need To Know

  • Fall sports practices began on Monday

  • Hitting the turf for the first time felt surreal for players and coaches who missed out on the fall season last year

  • High school football teams did play a shortened season in the spring, but there were no playoffs 

"It is great," Liverpool senior quarterback Jalen Graham said. "I've been waiting. The anticipation for this first practice has been a lot for me. I didn't get to play the last two games of my season last year."

"We had a spring season, but it just wasn't the same," West Genesee senior wideout Ben Chamberlain said. "I've been waiting two years for this. It's awesome to be out here. Everybody is having fun, everyone is excited."

"I think I was up at four o'clock this morning, anxious, out here by 7:30. Just looking forward to being normal again. As normal as we can be going through the craziness we're going through. At least it feels like life is getting back to the way we are used to," Cicero - North Syracuse head coach Dave Kline said.

And sure, there was a shortened spring football season, but these players and coaches are amped up to play for section playoffs, and hopefully, state competitions, this fall.