Roseburg junior Collin Warmouth rolls out for a pass attempt during the Indians’ midnight practice on Monday.

ROSEBURG – The fall sports season officially got underway Monday for high school teams throughout the state. Monday marked the first day that prep football, volleyball, soccer, and cross country teams were able hold practices.

For most teams, the first official practice took place in the morning or afternoon, but for the Roseburg, Camas Valley, and Riddle football teams, fall practice got started as soon as the clock struck midnight.

Dave Heuberger, now in his second year leading the Indians, gathered the team Sunday night and as soon as the calendar flipped to August 14th the players rushed onto the field to begin practice. The Indians spent 90 minutes under the lights at Finlay Field going through drills for offense, defense, and special teams.

“We were just really anxious to get back out and get to work,” said Heuberger after the early morning practice. “We spent a lot of in the offseason as a staff looking at what we can do to improve things and as you can see tonight, kids were excited to be out here running around. Good opportunity.”

The Indians’ football team slept overnight in the locker room and was back up bright and early for  breakfast at 7 a.m. and then another practice at 8 a.m.

Down in Riddle, the Irish were on the field as soon as possible and head coach Rocky Rodgers was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. Rodgers said Monday in an interview on Off The Wall (1490-AM; M-F 12-1pm) that 16 kids showed up for the midnight practice and another six players will be coming out this week. Good numbers for a small school trying to rebuild its program.

“The kids showed up, good attitude, ready to work,” Rodgers said. “It was a lot of fun.”

High school teams will have three weeks of practice before the season kicks off on September 1 for most varsity teams.

The Roseburg Indians begin the year with a home game against the Gresham Gophers. Follow RHS football all season long on CBS Sports Radio 1490 The Score or watch games online at 541radio.com.