While it may not exactly look like football weather outside, there's never a bad time to gear up for the gridiron.
The 2010 Iowa prep football schedules have been released and it appears as though the Estherville Lincoln Central Midgets will be facing some familiar foes during the course of next season.
The Midgets will return to Class 2A following a disappointing two-year stint at the 3A level, in which they went a combined 7-11 overall.
Last season ELC ushered in a new era as long-time Head Coach Jerry Shultz stepped down from his post and defensive coordinator Chuck Fandel took the reigns.
The 2009 Midgets struggled to a 2-7 overall record and finished 1-6 in a tough district that featured Bishop Heelan, LeMars, MOC-Floyd Valley, Denison-Schleswig, Spencer and Storm Lake.
While a move to Class 2A District 1 should certainly help, the Midgets' 2010 district opponents are anything but pushovers.
ELC will replace 2009 District Champion Rock Valley/ Boyden Hull, but will need to contend with several tough teams all vying for a spot atop the district, including the up and coming Western Christian Wolfpack, which finished the 2009 campaign with an impressive 8-1 overall record after spending the previous five seasons as cellar dwellers.
The other teams in 2A District 1 include; Sheldon, Central Lyon/George Little Rock, Okoboji, Unity Christian, Spirit Lake and Sioux Center.
ELC kicks the year off on Aug. 20 with the Fall Showcase and will host the rival Emmetsburg E'Hawks to begin the non-district portion of the regular season on Aug. 27.
The Midgets will see another familiar face as they travel to take on the Algona Bulldogs on Sept. 3, before beginning their district schedule on Sept. 10.
Hopefully the move to Class 2A will return the Midgets to their rightful place among the top teams in the state. With only 150 days to go until football season, can you blame a guy for being excited?