As the summer heat pounds the Lahontan Valley, Churchill County athletes are preparing for the upcoming season.
The Greenwave football team, though, is aiming to rebound from a disappointing finish to the 2012 season. After ripping off seven consecutive wins to open the season, the Wave lost their final three games — including two straight to Lowry — and were bounced from the first round of the Northern Division I-A playoffs.
Fallon, however, can snap its losing streak in Week 1 as the Wave open the season at home Sept. 6 against Wooster.
Of their nine games, the Wave play five at home including against rival Fernley (Oct. 18) and nemesis Lowry (Nov. 1). Smushed in between is a date at Truckee (Oct. 26).
Although Fallon ended last season with a less-than energetic performance in Winnemucca, the Wave looks to secure their fourth straight playoff appearance.
The road will be tough and new players must fill the void left by numerous graduates. Wide receiver is one position, as the Wave must replace their top three pass catchers from last season. Two of those receivers — Micah Manning and Skye Barton — plus departed running back Tyson Ernst, also made up the defensive backfield.
In addition, Fallon also lost two of its best offensive lineman — Trevor and Chad Parsons — and all-state linebacker Dalton Johnson.
Returning for the Wave on offense, though, are quarterback Morgan Dirickson, running back Trent Tarner, receiver Beau Marshall. Defensively, Tyler Bagby, who had a breakout season last year and led the club in sacks, returns along with linebackers Orrin Smith and Dakota Schelling.
Summer workouts, though, run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m. until Aug. 8. Seven-on-seven practices for skill positions run on Tuesdays from 4:30-6 p.m. until Aug. 6.
Mandatory practice begins Aug. 15 and runs from 2:30-8:30 p.m.
Other fall practice schedules; physicals set for tuesday
Workouts for the Fallon boys soccer team run Tuesday, Thursday and most Friday’s from 8-10 a.m. at the Edward Arcinigea Complex.
For information, contact coach Nate Waite at 775-217-0533.
The Fallon girls soccer, meanwhile, runs summer workouts Monday through Thursday from 5:15-7:30 p.m. at Lahontan Elementary School.
Churchill County High School athletes must undergo a sports physical to compete in the 2013-14 school year.
Physicals will be offered at the Elmo Dericco Gym on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. A $30 donation is requested to help raise funds to purchase medical supplies to aid the athletes throughout the year.