You can always tell when the new school year is about to begin.  The shelves at the local stores are full of back-to-school supplies, kids are trying those new clothes, the parents are marking days off the calendar...and football practice begins.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A year and a half ago Jordan-Matthews graduate Chad Coward looked as close to a sure lock as you could get to rise to the top of the Tampa Bay Devil Ray organization.

Coward turned in several outstanding minor league seasons, including earning pitcher of the year honors in 2001.

Unfortunately a shoulder injury kept him sidelined in 2003, and Coward re-injured it again in spring training in 2003.

After a second shoulder surgery three months ago, the 26-year old Coward is rehabbing once again, and things are looking up for the local star.

"I’m doing pretty well, I’m three months out of my surgery and I’ve been playing catch from about 90-feet the last three weeks," said Coward on Tuesday. "It feels good just to play catch, and it makes you appreciate the game of baseball even more when it’s taken away from you."

Football is in the air and all three Chatham County schools are gearing up for the 2004 season.

In Pittsboro, Northwood coach Bill Hall welcomed out 87 players during the first week and expects several more out.

The Chargers plan on carrying around 50 players to the opening scrimmage on Saturday, August 14th down in Norwood versus South Stanly, Union Pines, and Bishop McGuiness.

"I’m pleased with our numbers and the effort the guys are giving right now," said NW coach Bill Hall, who commended his 18 seniors. "It’s been hold and wet, but our guys are working hard in practice to get better and that’s what it takes."

The numbers at Jordan-Matthews and Chatham Central are both hovering in the low 50’s at the present time, but Jet coach Marty Scotten and Bear coach Mark Hoover expect them to rise above 60 when school starts.

BENNETT – After suffering its first loss of the 2004 season Red rebounded with a wild 11-8 victory over Blue here on Saturday afternoon in Wayne Phillips League baseball action.

Red improves to 10-1 with the victory while Blue falls to 5-6.

Chris Williams got Red started in fine fashion as the right-handed hitter belted the opening pitch of the day over the left-field wall for a solo homer.

Blue battled back to take a 6-5 lead entering the fifth when Red plated two runs to seize back the advantage, and Neil Kivett followed by smashing a grand slam to right to send the regular-season champs on to the 11-8 win.