Hononegah High School football training camp opens up Monday, August 7, 2023

In the words of Kenny Chesney, "When I feel that chill and smell that fresh cut grass, I’m back in my helmet and shoulder pads."

Hononegah High School football training camp opens up Monday, August 7, 2023
Hononegah High School football - Andrea Van Briesen Photography

Kenny Chesney's song The Boys of Fall opens with a line that hits me every fall I have heard it. Chesney says, "When I feel that chill and smell that fresh cut grass, I’m back in my helmet and shoulder pads." I go right to every single preseason football training camp I was a part of as a football player, and the sweat, blood, and laughs with the teammates and coaches.

This Monday, August 7, 2023, Hononegah High School - and all the high school teams across the state of Illinois - open up their training camps. It’s this time plus all the summer training done by the team that builds them into a team. Even though in this modern football era, they train year-round, I believe, I have spoken with some coaches still in the football world who state nothing can replace this time as a team. It's what happens during this time and every Friday night in the fall that will give these players a lifetime of memories.

So if you are lucky enough to drive by Hononegah High School during their preseason training camp (August 7-24), I hope it takes you back to a time in your life with some awesome memories.

Varsity practice begins at 2 p.m. with freshmen and sophomores at 3:25 p.m.

Good luck to all our local teams this season!

Thanks to Andrea Van Briesen Photography and Kenny Chesney's YouTube channel for the images, information and content for the story.