The dawn of a new season will start before dawn.

The Lake Highlands football team will hit the practice field at 6 a.m. Monday for the first official practice of the 2010 season. The Wildcats will actually practice twice – from 6-8 a.m. and from 10 a.m.-noon. This way the Cats get in their “two-a-days” before the afternoon heat sets in.

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Speaking of the heat, with daily 100-degree temperatures, coach Scott Smith said the staff will be more vigilant than ever about taking precautions against heat illnesses.

“Our thoughts will be just a little more heightened,” Smith said. “We’ll do some things just from a standpoint of keeping an eye on them, keeping them hydrated.”

Before practice starts, LH will have its annual “Physicals Day” on Saturday from 8-11 a.m. in the LHHS library. Athletes can get their physicals – a UIL and RISD requirement before participating in sports – for $15. The Wildcat Club will also be on hand selling memberships and spirit items.

After four days of light work, mandated by the UIL, the players will be allowed to don pads and engage in contact work on Friday. The preseason scrimmage with South Garland is 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 20 at Wildcat-Ram. The season opens Aug. 27 against Mesquite at Hanby Stadium in Mesquite.

“We’re pretty excited about getting this thing going,” Smith said. “I’d love to be able to start today.”