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High schools across state open fall practices
spt mm Kottas Shotgun
Great Bend High School quarterback Mitch Kottas prepares to take a snap out of the shotgun formation on Monday evening during the opening day of fall practice. The Panthers are undergoing two-a-day drills prior to classes beginning on Thursday. - photo by Mack McClure Great Bend Tribune

In accordance with Kansas State High School Activities Association regulations, fall sports practices got under way throughout the state on Monday.
For Great Bend and area schools, it was a busy day for athletes and coaches alike.
The early-bird special went to the Great Bend Panthers football team, which hit the practice field at 6 a.m. Monday for nearly a two-hour practice.
The Panthers came back again at 6 on Monday night to complete two-a-drills, a schedule they will adhere by prior school starting at GBHS on Thursday.
The Panthers are coming off a 4-5 season, where they  came on strong late in the season to win their district and advance to the Class 5A state playoffs.
The Panthers lost the likes of standouts Greg Hildebrand (quarterback), Alex Reed (wide receiver), Logan Buehler (wide receiver/defensive back), Dakota Ellis (running back/linebacker) and Louis Burley (linebacker) to graduation.